The Minnesota Timberwolves have been viewed as one of the leading teams likely to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo before the NBA trade deadline set for February 5, 2026. This possibility gained momentum after the Timberwolves moved Mike Conley’s contract, signaling an attempt to clear cap space and maneuver in the ongoing Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors.
At 38 years old, Mike Conley was brought to Minnesota three years ago at the trade deadline, but the Timberwolves recently traded away his expiring $10.8 million contract. This multi-team trade sent Conley and Jaden Ivey to the Chicago Bulls, aiming to realign their payroll commitments ahead of any potential blockbuster deal involving Antetokounmpo.
Impact of Timberwolves’ Recent Moves on Their Giannis Trade Position
NBA insider Brian Windhorst analyzed Minnesota’s strategy and concluded that the Timberwolves might have unintentionally diminished their leverage in the race to sign the two-time MVP. While unloading Conley’s salary was intended to create flexibility, Windhorst expressed skepticism about whether it actually strengthened their standing.
I know some people reacted yesterday to the Timberwolves’ trading Mike Conley; they’re just doing that to save money. It could theoretcially help them in a Giannis deal, but they midlly weakened their hand in that trade, that did not help them really.
Brian Windhorst, NBA insider
Windhorst also commented on Miami Heat’s position, suggesting that without a move involving Andrew Wiggins, Miami’s chances of landing Giannis appear slim. Wiggins’s potential trade plays a crucial role in the Heat’s capacity to match Giannis’s salary demands.
Miami Heat’s Role and Andrew Wiggins in Potential Giannis Trade
The Heat have shown sustained interest in Giannis, with reports indicating they might include Andrew Wiggins in a trade package to facilitate the acquisition. Wiggins’s $28.2 million salary could be a key component in offsetting Giannis’s $54.1 million contract.
It’s believed that Miami would prefer to use his (Wiggins) salary as part of a deal that brings a star-caliber player back to South Beach. Wiggins’ $28.2 million salary, for example, would help the Heat approach Giannis Antetokounmpo’s $54.1 million in a theoretical deal with the Bucks.
Marc Stein, NBA insider
Windhorst further underscored the importance of a Wiggins trade for Miami’s prospects.
I’m not feeling dealt Heat right now with Giannis. Now, if at 2:00 today the Miami Heat trade Andrew Wiggins for 2 1st round picks, now we’ve got some deal, Heat. That’s a deal you do if you think you get Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Brian Windhorst, NBA insider
Trade Deadline Approaching as Giannis’s Future Remains Uncertain
The Bucks are reportedly seeking impact players in return for Antetokounmpo rather than just draft assets, complicating the trade negotiations. It is becoming increasingly likely that Giannis may remain in Milwaukee for the rest of the current season if no suitable deal surfaces by the deadline.
With fewer than 48 hours until the deadline expires at 3 p.m. ET on February 5, the urgency is high for teams like the Timberwolves and Miami Heat to finalize their offers. Meanwhile, other contenders like the New York Knicks and Golden State Warriors monitor the situation closely as the trade window narrows.
Possible Consequences of Trade Developments for the Timberwolves and NBA Landscape
Should the Timberwolves fail to secure Giannis, the franchise may face disappointment after positioning themselves as frontrunners and moving pieces like Conley to create space. The ongoing uncertainty around Antetokounmpo’s trade could extend into the offseason, influencing team strategies across the league.
For Minnesota, missing out on Giannis would mean recalibrating their championship aspirations around existing stars like Anthony Edwards. As the clock ticks down, the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors continue to evoke frustration and anticipation among fans, players, and front offices alike.
Brian Windhorst on Giannis trade rumors and believes the Timberwolves ‘weakened’ their hand after yesterday salary saving trade:
“I’m not feeling deal Heat right now with Giannis. Now, if at 2:00 today the Miami Heat trade Andrew Wiggins for 2 1st round picks, now we got some… pic.twitter.com/C4OYl2Psob
— Heat Central (@HeatCulture13) February 4, 2026
Brian Windhorst on Giannis trade rumors and believes the Timberwolves ‘weakened’ their hand after yesterday salary saving trade:
“I’m not feeling deal Heat right now with Giannis. Now, if at 2:00 today the Miami Heat trade Andrew Wiggins for 2 1st round picks, now we got some… pic.twitter.com/C4OYl2Psob
— Heat Central (@HeatCulture13) February 4, 2026
