Timberwolves Recruiting Teams to Land Giannis Antetokounmpo

Merlin sees a full-court scramble. The Minnesota Timberwolves are "recruiting third and fourth teams" to cobble together a trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo before Thursday, while Shams Charania says Giannis is "ready for a new home" and the Bucks are more willing to listen. Doc Rivers pushes back publicly, saying "Giannis has said everything that we need to hear, that he wants to be a Buck," so talks are frantic and fraught. Merlin smells smoke and knows the sparks. Golden State, Portland and others trail the scent, but any deal likely needs creative multi-team work and painful roster sacrifices, maybe even beloved veterans like Draymond Green. If Minnesota fails, expect a pivot to a guard target and more late-night wheeling and dealing.