Sources: Timberwolves believe Giannis would sign extension with them

The Minnesota Timberwolves are aggressively pursuing a trade for Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, and the franchise believes the two-time MVP would sign an extension with them this offseason, sources told Ahn Fire Digital.

Antetokounmpo is making $54.1 million this season. He has a player option worth $62.8 million for the 2027-28 season. The Greek Freak becomes extension-eligible this offseason.

A future Hall of Famer, Antetokounmpo is interested in playing with Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards, sources said. Minnesota has lost in the Western Conference Finals two years in a row. Members of the organization believe pairing Antetokounmpo with Edwards is the missing piece the Timberwolves need to get over the hump in the rugged Western Conference, sources said.

Since Antetokounmpo doesn’t have a no-trade clause in his contract, he can’t force his way from the Bucks to the Timberwolves. Milwaukee will only trade Antetokounmpo at this year’s trade deadline if it acquires the massive haul the front office is seeking. The Bucks are comfortable keeping Antetokounmpo for the rest of the season and revisiting trade talks for him in the offseason, sources said.

The Timberwolves are among the teams pursuing Antetokounmpo even though the 2021 Finals MVP is expected to miss the next four to six weeks with a right calf injury. Antetokounmpo has appeared in 30 games this season. He’s averaging 28.0 points, 10.0 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game while shooting 64.5 percent from the field, 39.5 percent from 3 and 65.8 percent from the free-throw line.

Sources said Minnesota is actively recruiting third and fourth teams in an attempt to improve its trade offer for Antetokounmpo, who led the Bucks to the 2021 championship against the Phoenix Suns. Milwaukee has lost in the first round of the playoffs three years in a row. Antetokounmpo has grown tired of losing and is ready to leave the Bucks for the first time in his career, sources said.

The 2026 NBA trade deadline is February 5 at 3 p.m. ET. It will be intriguing to see if Antetokounmpo and the Bucks part ways and if the Timberwolves find a way to acquire the NBA legend.