Top ESPN Insider Pushing More Kevin Durant to Minnesota Steam

The Minnesota Timberwolves watched the NBA trade deadline come and go without making any moves. Their big trade came before the season, when president of basketball operations Tim Connelly shocked the basketball world by sending Karl-Anthony Towns to New York, in return for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo.

That doesn’t mean the unpredictable Wolves PoBO wasn’t trying to be active at the deadline, though. According to reports that broke in the days following the deadline, we found out that Tim got way closer than most thought, in trying to swing a last-second deal to land Kevin Durant.

Ultimately, the deal could not be consummated. Nonetheless, steam has continued to percolate surrounding arguably the greatest all-around shooter in NBA history, and where he will play in 2025-26. There are other teams rumored to be interested in Durant, but one thing seems to be for sure. He won’t be in Phoenix after this season.

More Kevin Durant to Minnesota Timberwolves steam…

There are a lot of plugged in reporters who cover the National Basketball Association, but few insiders are more connected than ESPN’s Brian Windhorst. That’s why it was very notable on Thursday morning, when Mr. Finger-Waving Meme himself made a point on ESPN’s Get Up to mention the Minnesota Timberwolves as a “small-market team to watch” in the Kevin Durant sweepstakes this offseason.

.@WindhorstESPN says the Timberwolves may try to pair Kevin Durant and Anthony Edwards together this offseason 😯 pic.twitter.com/4YHvakFCil

— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) March 6, 2025

“Another small-market team to watch, Minnesota Timberwolves. Ant Edwards and KD, very tight connection. Which, also from the Olympics. The Timberwolves tried to pull off a crazy trade at the deadline for KD. Look for them to revisit those talks this summer.”

Brian Windhorst (ESPN)

Related: Timberwolves Sign Former Tim Connelly Draft Pick; Reward Jaylen Clark

A deal for Kevin Durant would have to involve Julius Randle being shipped out. In all likelihood, the real toll that will be paid for Durant will be a promising rookie like Rob Dillingham and/or established talent like Jaden McDaniels.

While adding Kevin Durant would make the Minnesota Timberwolves an immediate title contender, that is still a steep price to pay for a 37-year-old aging superstar, with limited time remaining on his very expensive deal.

What does Kevin Durant have left in the tank?

KD isn’t just any aging veteran, though. He’s a future Hall of Fame, with a pair of NBA Championship rings. Not only that, but he is the idol of Wolves rising superstar Anthony Edwards, who could use some offensive help on the floor and just as much mentoring off of it.

Through 49 games this season, Kevin Durant is averaging 26.9 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game. If KD is on the decline, don’t tell that to his 36.8 minutes per game this season, which remains nearly the exact same as his career average (36.7 MPG). In fact, all of his averages this season are consistent with his career numbers.

As of now anyway, Durant remains every bit the superstar he has always been. The problem in Phoenix this season surround poor roster, not a decline in Kevin Durant’s play. Fortunately for the Timberwolves, who have their own luxury tax issues, they may be able to benefit from the Suns’ front office missteps.

Durant to MN Timberwolves would give Anthony Edwards a real running mate

If there’s a way to motivate Anthony Edwards to another level, involving one of his favorite players is probably a good plan. Edwards has not been shy about his affinity towards Durant, and the two have shared some big moments. Edwards made his presence felt against the Suns in the playoffs last season, and the two shared a uniform for Team USA.

“That’s my GOAT.” 👀@theantedwards_ shares what it was like going back and forth with @KDTrey5 in the Playoffs. pic.twitter.com/bjcw5nc5o5

— UNINTERRUPTED (@uninterrupted) March 2, 2025

Anthony Edwards is averaging a career-high 27.5 points per game this season. He is shooting 43.9% from the field and 40.6% from deep. His 10.2 three-point attempts per game are a career-high, and he has taken the deep shot ability to a new level.

Related: Report: Timberwolves Big Man Seeking New Contract This Offseason

Paired with Durant during a full season, the duo could easily feed off one another. Durant’s experience and veteran presence would certainly elevate the roster as a whole. If the Timberwolves could net him without losing Naz Reid or Jaden McDaniels, the rotation remains in a really great spot as well.

It’s not often that a Minnesota team gets to lean into superstar trade possibilities, but this is one that makes sense and would be a lot of fun. After coming close to the NBA Finals last season, a return trip would be the bar if Durant is on the roster.