Wolves Won’t Budge on McDaniels and Beringer in Giannis Talks

The Minnesota Timberwolves are still shopping for Giannis Antetokounmpo but have drawn a hard line: Jaden McDaniels and Joan Beringer are untouchable in any trade package. Sources confirm that the Wolves are not considering including either player in a potential blockbuster deal with the Milwaukee Bucks. The Bucks have reportedly floated a package including McDaniels, Naz Reid, Terrence Shannon Jr., and Minnesota’s two tradable first-round picks, No. 29 in 2025 and the 2033 pick, but the Wolves have rejected the offer.

Giannis Antetokounmpo has made it clear he prefers to stay in the Eastern Conference. But the Wolves are trying to sell him on the idea of joining Anthony Edwards, who is coming off a season in which he averaged 26.4 points and 5.9 assists per game. Edwards is now the clear No. 2 scoring option in the NBA behind Luka Doncic. Minnesota is also offering Antetokounmpo a chance to win now, something the Bucks may not be able to guarantee with their current roster.

The Wolves have built a strong trade foundation under GM Tim Connelly. Since acquiring Rudy Gobert in 2022, the team has gone from a mid-tier contender to a legitimate title threat. Connelly has also pursued high-profile targets like Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, though those deals never materialized. The Wolves are now reportedly in the mix for Ja Morant as well, showing they are not backing down in the pursuit of star power.

The Bucks are clearly not the only team interested in Giannis. Houston is also in the conversation, with the Rockets having made a splash this summer by acquiring Durant in a blockbuster trade with Brooklyn. Durant has averaged 28.6 points and 7.3 rebounds in his first season with the Rockets. But while Houston offers a familiar Western Conference setting, the Wolves are selling a fresh start with one of the league’s most exciting young stars.

The Wolves have up to two first-round pick swaps available, giving them flexibility in any trade. But they are not willing to sacrifice their young, developing talent. McDaniels, 22, is averaging 7.8 points and 3.9 rebounds per game this season. Beringer, 23, has shown flashes as a versatile defender and is expected to take another step in Year 3.

Sources say the Bucks are still waiting for a final offer from the Wolves. Minnesota is expected to hold firm on its position through the trade deadline in February. The Wolves are aiming to make a splash, and while Giannis remains the top target, they are keeping their options open.