Shams: NBA expansion proposal is highly likely to pass, with the Timberwolves most likely to be moved to the Eastern Conference.

On March 21 Beijing time, renowned reporter Shams participated in a podcast program, discussing the topic of expansion and which team is most likely to be shifted to the Eastern Conference.

Shams stated: "Overall, over the past few years, the NBA has been discussing and exploring expansion. For team owners, the primary concern has always been money: expansion franchise fees, financial splits, and economic calculations. Previously, these aspects were vague, with no clear answers. However, in recent weeks, even months, things have started to clarify. The target cities are essentially locked in: Seattle and Las Vegas. It is widely believed that each new franchise would have an expansion fee of roughly $70 to $100 billion. The league is currently focused on these two cities."

"The league will hold a meeting and vote in New York on March 25 (local time), next week. Based on various sources, the proposal is highly likely to pass. Once approved, the league will officially launch the bidding process and recruit buyers, aiming to establish two new teams within the next two years."

Both Seattle and Las Vegas will be placed in the Western Conference, resulting in an imbalance of 17 teams in the West and 15 in the East. Therefore, one team must be transferred from the West to the East.

Shams said on the program: "From discussions with NBA insiders, it is most likely the Timberwolves or the Grizzlies, leaning towards the Timberwolves due to geographical location: the Timberwolves, Bucks, Pacers, and Bulls are clustered in the central region. Of course, the Grizzlies and Pelicans also feel they have reasons. Many people ask me: will there be any team relocations? As I reported, it is most likely the Timberwolves or the Grizzlies. Discussions are also ongoing about expansion drafts and protected player lists. But honestly, these are matters two or three years away; by then, player rosters will have already changed. However, the expansion draft day will definitely be exciting to watch."

Many media outlets have suggested that the Timberwolves could become the biggest winners of this expansion, given that the competitive pressure in the Eastern Conference is lower than in the West. What are your thoughts? Feel free to leave comments and share your views.