The Miami Heat's biggest competition ahead of the NBA Trade Deadline for Giannis Antetokounmpo has finally been revealed: the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Since the Giannis trade discussion began, there was an expectation that a mystery team would emerge as a realistic landing spot. Over the last few days, the Wolves have quickly grown into that role.
Sure, the Golden State Warriors and Heat are still very much in the mix, but there's an argument to be made that the Wolves are pushing hard.
And, depending on who you ask, there's a real argument to be made that the Wolves may be in the "lead" for Giannis. At least that's what Jake Fischer may be hearing. Either way, with less than two days before the trade deadline, things are likely going to start heating up if Giannis is going to get moved before the deadline.
Why the Wolves are a real threat to the Heat
Miami may feel good about where they stand in their pursuit of Giannis, but the Wolves are a real threat. Perhaps the biggest reason why is the fact that Minnesota appeals to Giannis. And even though the Wolves, on paper, may lack the assets to get a traditional deal done with the Bucks, Milwaukee is giving them every possible moment to cobble together a competitive offer.
The big question is not necessarily whether Giannis would want to play for the Wolves or if he will sign an extension with them, but whether they can appease the Bucks with an offer.
It's been well-reported that Giannis likes the thought of playing next to Anthony Edwards and the Wolves. But without a tradable first-round pick currently at their disposal, getting to the point where they can put together an offer that would beat out others could be difficult.
It's certainly not impossible, but the odds of them pulling it off are much less than, say, a team like the Heat finding a path to meeting Milwaukee's asking price.
How the next couple of days will unfold has to be the question on everyone's mind, especially when it comes to Giannis. However, there's no question that the futures of both the Wolves and the Heat will certainly be marked by whether or not they acquire Giannis by the deadline.
And if there's anything that has become abundantly clear over the last few days, it's the fact that the Heat's biggest threat to a Giannis trade is probably the Wolves. Let the best offer win.