Brian Windhorst reveals how close the Minnesota Timberwolves came to landing Kevin Durant before the 2025 NBA trade deadline
ESPN's Brian Windhorst stated that the Minnesota Timberwolves were just a few steps away from trading for Kevin Durant during the 2025 NBA trade deadline. Unfortunately, the deal did not happen because of problems with the salary cap, especially the second apron rules.
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Now that the offseason is here and the team will likely make changes, the Timberwolves can resume their effort to get LeBron James.
Minnesota Timberwolves' offseason maneuvers could pave the way for a Kevin Durant acquisition
In February 2025, the Minnesota Timberwolves made a genuine effort to acquire Kevin Durant, but the fact that both teams were above the NBA's second tax apron made it almost impossible to make a move mid-season. Windhorst highlighted how serious Minnesota was in their pursuit, mentioning, "It became clear to me, in talking to the parties involved, just how serious the Wolves were about trying to trade for Durant at the trade deadline.
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Looking forward, the Timberwolves' financial situation might get a boost if key players like Julius Randle and Naz Reid decide to opt out of their contracts. This could potentially lower the team under the second apron, lifting some trade limitations. Windhorst observed, "Getting it done was impossible because they are two second apron teams. But after both of [Randle and Naz Reid] opt out, the Wolves will not be a second apron team.
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Tim Connelly's approach involves taking major risks, like getting Rudy Gobert and swapping Karl-Anthony Towns for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo in 2022. He may be in line for a big new deal. If Connelly keeps working with the team, his record suggests he'll make bold trades to strengthen the roster.
Durant's future with the Phoenix Suns seems up in the air. Windhorst puts the odds at 98% that Durant will be traded this offseason.
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He and his business partner, Rich Kleiman, are said to be working with the Suns to find a new team, and the Houston Rockets are also showing interest.
The idea of Durant teaming up with Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards is super interesting. They really hit it off during the Paris Olympics, and it seems Durant is considering a move to Minnesota.
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With their past interest in Kevin Durant and some potential salary cap wiggle room, the Minnesota Timberwolves are definitely a team to watch this offseason. By making clever roster choices and having a forward-thinking front office, they could become serious players in the race for Durant.
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