NBA Rumors: Cavs, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Warriors, Jonathan Kuminga, Timberwolves

Cavaliers

The math still matters for the Cavaliers and they are working the phones with the math in mind.

If the Cavs can move Lonzo Ball along with a minimum salary contract and slip below the second apron, they would unlock the ability to aggregate contracts again.

That alone would materially change their flexibility, both at the deadline and heading into the summer.

Multiple rival executives are wondering if that could open the door to something much bigger.

Specifically, whether the Cavs could make a late push on Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, using Evan Mobley as the foundational piece.

Now, before anyone gets all up in arms, that remains a long shot.

The Cavs have shown zero desire to move Mobley, sources tell Hoops Wire. On top of that, any Antetokounmpo deal is sure to require significant draft capital.

Still, the fact that the question is being asked at all speaks to how closely the league is watching the Cavs’ cap maneuvering this week.

Warriors

Jonathan Kuminga’s market is about as narrow as it gets.

At this point, the only known potential suitors tied to Kuminga are the Bucks and Wizards. For the Warriors, that likely would only happen as part of an Antetokounmpo deal before Thursday’s deadline.

Basically, with the Kings now out after acquiring De’Andre Hunter, Golden State’s alternatives have dried up.

If Antetokounmpo does not move this week, the expectation is that Kuminga stays with the Warriors and any resolution gets pushed to the offseason.

Timberwolves

Sources and reports strongly suggest the Timberwolves are really exploring, aiming for a big swing ahead of the deadline.

According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, Minnesota is among the league’s most aggressive teams in trade talks. Hoops Wire sources have said the same.

Antetokounmpo remains the top target, but there is also a reported pivot plan in place.

If Minnesota comes up short on Antetokounmpo, the focus is expected to shift toward upgrading the point guard position.

One driving force behind the Wolves’ aggressiveness is their ownership group. Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez have been open about wanting to make a splash, and pairing Antetokounmpo with Anthony Edwards would qualify.