The Minnesota Timberwolves are making a confident run at LeBron James in free agency. According to Friday night’s report by The Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski, the $3.6 billion worth franchise believes it has the “best situation” for the 41-year-old unrestricted free agent. The Timberwolves need a power forward, one who could play a significant role.
It’s what James has wanted, leading to his departure from Los Angeles. The Timberwolves have never won a championship, and a title run there would only improve James’ legacy, which, to some, is already good enough to call him the greatest of all time. However, many still believe he trails Michael Jordan in the debate.
A potential championship run in Minnesota, which isn’t the most lucrative market, and has zero major sports titles since 1991 across the top four leagues, would make a compelling case for James’ critics to believe he’s the undeniable “GOAT.”
“The Wolves firmly believe they have the best situation for the 41-year-old James as he prepares for his 24th season,” Krawczynski wrote. “They have a core headlined by Edwards, Ball and McDaniels that can take a lot of the offensive pressure off James’ shoulders. They have McDaniels and Gobert to help ease James’ workload on defense, as well.
“Most importantly, they have a story for James to tell. Unlike several of the other options on the table for him, including the Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat and James’ hometown Cleveland Cavaliers, the Timberwolves have never won a championship.”
The Timberwolves initially expressed interest in James, but they were aware of their limited resources to sign him, as they could only offer slightly higher than the veteran-minimum salary. However, in the past few days, reports have emerged that James isn’t prioritizing money.
If that’s the case, the Timberwolves are very much in the hunt for the four-time MVP and have a chance as good as anyone. LeBron James has also spoken highly of franchise star Anthony Edwards, and the duo linking up with another high-upside star in LaMelo Ball could threaten teams in the West.
Rich Paul had the Timberwolves on his “whiteboard” while discussing LeBron James’ suitors on his podcast
The Timberwolves were among the many teams LeBron James’ agent, Rich Paul, had listed on a whiteboard during Friday’s episode of his podcast, “Game Over.” Paul listed Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball, Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert as he discussed James’ best fits with his co-host, Max Kellerman.
It was the only team, alongside the Philadelphia 76ers, missing a player in LeBron James’ position. However, even in comparison to the 76ers, the Timberwolves appeared more appealing from a role standpoint. James would desire to influence the court, which the Timberwolves need in the form of an experienced player who can mentor Edwards, Ball and McDaniels.
The 76ers have four ball handlers and a player with a championship pedigree in Jaylen Brown. On that roster, James might even have to settle for a fourth or fifth option role. On the Timberwolves, at worst, he would be a third option. LaMelo Ball mostly prefers facilitating, so James can handle the scoring duties behind Edwards.
He can also be a point forward on the team and run units when one of Ball or Edwards is off the floor.
Read more:
- Rich Paul Makes Intriguing Claim on LeBron James’ Level of Interest in Knicks
- Rich Paul Pinpoints LeBron James’ ‘X-Factor’ for Joining Philadelphia 76ers as Free Agency Decisions Loom
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