Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) reacted after a non-call on Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) in the first quarter. The Minnesota Timberwolves faced the Phoenix Suns in an NBA basketball game Sunday afternoon, April 14, 2024 at … ((Photo by Jeff Wheeler/Star Tribune via Getty Images))
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - The Minnesota Timberwolves didn’t make any moves at Thursday’s NBA trade deadline, but they reportedly tried to take one big swing.
According to Senior NBA Insider Chris Haynes, the Timberwolves made a "last ditch effort" to acquire Phoenix Suns’ star Kevin Durant.
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Timberwolves stay quiet at NBA trade deadline
The NBA trade deadline passed at 2 p.m. Thursday and the Timberwolves didn't make any major moves despite a report that they had interest in Kevin Durant.
Timberwolves’ front office head Tim Connelly was likely taking and making several phone calls leading up to 2 p.m. Thursday, so how far that conversation went, we’ll never fully know.
Due to issues Minnesota has with the second apron, a third team likely would’ve been necessary.
What Durant would’ve brought
By the numbers:
He’s 36 years old, but Durant still brings the combination of size, shooting and skill. He’s the rare 6-11 forward that can take a defender off the dribble, shoot and get his own shot pretty much whenever necessary. Durant is averaging 26.9 points 6.1 rebounds and 4.1 assists in 39 games this season. But, he's in his 18th NBA season and on the back end of his career. He's a lock for the Hall of Fame when his playing days are over.
It’s well-chronicled that Timberwolves’ star Anthony Edwards and Durant have a tight relationship. Edwards talked trash to Durant during the NBA Playoffs last year, and has said that Durant is his favorite player. Durant has said Edwards is one of the best young players in the game.
With Julius Randle hurt, the Timberwolves lack a primary second scorer and Durant would’ve been that guy. But it probably wasn’t worth parting with a Naz Reid, Jaden McDaniels and/or Nickeil Alexander-Walker to get there, and the Timberwolves don’t have a ton of future draft picks to work with. So as it is, Durant is staying with the Suns.
Wolves home stand continues
What's next:
The Timberwolves continue a five-game home stand Thursday night against the Houston Rockets. They cap it against the Portland Trail Blazers Saturday night. Minnesota is in the No. 7 spot in the West at 28-23, and are 13-12 at Target Center after going 30-11 on their home court last year.