Giannis Antetokounmpo has the Timberwolves at the top of the trade list

As the NBA continues to watch Milwaukee Bucks for the final decision on Giannis Antetokounmpofuture, multiple league sources with direct knowledge of the situation told ClutchPoints that the two-time MVP has joined Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves at the at the top of his shopping list before the Thursday deadline.

The Timberwolves were in constant communication with the Bucks in the week leading up to the trade deadline about what it would take to acquire Antetokounmpo. While the Bucks have yet to signal whether they will retain Giannis after Thursday’s trade deadline, Minnesota is doing everything it can to raise funds and market picks to get a deal done.

Jaden McDaniels, Julius Randle and Naz Reed are all high-profile players the Wolves have talked to teams around the league about, and McDaniels is drawing significant interest, sources said. There is a belief among rival teams that if Giannis is moved before the trade deadline, he will head to the Timberwolves.

Earlier Tuesday, the Timberwolves made a small move to trade veteran guard Mike Conley Jr. to the Chicago Bulls in a three-team deal that also resulted in Minnesota sending a protected 2026 first-round pick to Detroit. The move opened up more flexibility for the Timberwolves to explore avenues to acquire Giannis, as they are now below the first rate and $3.8 million above the tax threshold.

Whether or not the Timberwolves can close the door on a trade with the Bucks is the biggest question mark in the league with less than 48 hours until the trade deadline. While many organizations believe this is the situation that will play out in Milwaukee during the offseason, several others believe the Timberwolves have the clearest path to pull off one of the biggest blockbusters in NBA history.

The Miami Heat and Golden State Warriors also made aggressive pitches and offered the Bucks for Antetokounmpo. While the Heat’s package is centered around a combination of draft picks and young talent, the Warriors’ offer includes four potential unprotected first-round picks, as well as talents like Jonathan Cummings and Draymond Green.

While both teams made what league sources called “compelling cases” before the trade deadline, where Giannis ultimately wants to go will weigh heavily in the Bucks’ decision-making process. Playing alongside Edwards is a scenario Antetokounmpo finds extremely compelling, which is why the Timberwolves have been aggressive in their pursuit of the two-time NBA MVP over the past few days.

Trade talks between the two sides are expected to take place by Thursday afternoon’s deadline.