Why LeBron James Taking His Time Could Actually Help the Timberwolves Win Him Over

The LeBron James free agency tour is still rolling with no finish line in sight, and at this point nobody is sure when it actually ends. What we do know is the same six teams are still in the mix: the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves, Denver Nuggets, and Philadelphia 76ers.

The Timberwolves though? They think they’ve got a real shot. And according to Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic, the longer James takes to decide, the better Minnesota’s chances get.

“I think the longer that this drags out, the better the Timberwolves’ chances become,” Krawczynski wrote. “Because if you think about what LeBron has to process and has to consider, it is fair to say of all the teams left, Minnesota is probably the most surprising one. Cold winters, no history of winning, a lot of things that go into it that just make you think, why would the Timberwolves be in the hunt?”

That’s the big question. Minnesota doesn’t exactly scream “championship destination” when you think about weather or franchise track record. But the basketball fit is where things get interesting.

The Timberwolves added LaMelo Ball this offseason, and pairing him with James gives Minnesota a dynamic backcourt with serious playmaking juice. Add in a hungry young core that’s been close but hasn’t gotten over the hump, and there’s a real argument that this roster could compete right away.

“They have a great case to make, if you ask me, with basketball fit,” Krawczynski wrote. “I think that they have really thrown the kitchen sink at LeBron and just said, we are here for you, we think this is the best place for you to come and win if you want to win a championship. And I do think that has gotten LeBron James’ attention.”

The weather problem isn’t going away

Selling a 39-year-old LeBron James on Minnesota winters is a tough ask. But if winning is really the priority — and James has said it is — the Timberwolves can make a credible case. He’d be the veteran leader on a young team that’s desperate to prove itself, and the Western Conference isn’t getting any easier. Golden State and Denver are both still strong, but Minnesota has the upside to grow into something real.

It might just take one more push to close the deal. The Timberwolves are still in this race. They just need James to see what they see.