​LeBron James remains the Timberwolves’ biggest free-agent target, though Minnesota has not been mentioned as frequently among the frontrunners as Cleveland, Miami and Philadelphia. GettyThe Minnesota Timberwolves have made no secret of their pursuit of LeBron James.Coach Chris Finch publicly outlined the franchise’s recruiting pitch last week, describing Minnesota as an ideal basketball fit for the four-time NBA MVP.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementA new report from one of the NBA’s top Warriors insiders, however, suggests the Timberwolves continue to face an uphill climb.ESPN NBA insider Anthony Slater reported on SportsCenter that Golden State decision-makers have privately viewed the Cleveland Cavaliers as James’ most likely destination since the beginning of free agency, despite the Warriors’ own aggressive recruiting efforts led by Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.“Their decision-makers really from the beginning of this free agency have not expressed much optimism to me that they’re going to ultimately be the destination,” Slater said. “They know they’re in on it. They’ve identified from the beginning Cleveland as what they believe is the most likely destination.”For Minnesota, the comments represent another discouraging signal after veteran NBA insider Marc Stein recently reported that James appears to be giving far greater consideration to Eastern Conference teams than many executives expected.Slater’s comments closely mirror Stein’s reporting from Friday during Bleacher Report’s NBA Summer League livestream.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“What I do believe based on actual reporting is … Cleveland, Miami, Philly,” Stein said. “He is looking at Eastern Conference destinations with much more seriousness than I think… if you would’ve gone back even two weeks and polled the other 29 front offices, I don’t think many would’ve imagined that he would be looking to the East to this degree.”Stein added that James appears increasingly open to leaving the Western Conference altogether after spending the past eight seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers.While Stein specifically noted that the shift hurts Golden State’s chances, it also represents an obstacle for every Western Conference contender hoping to land James—including Minnesota.Slater’s latest reporting only strengthens that perception.LeBron James during an NBA game as the Timberwolves remain linked to the four-time NBA MVP in free agency.Getty LeBron James remains the Timberwolves’ biggest free-agent target, though Minnesota has not been mentioned as frequently among the frontrunners as Cleveland, Miami and Philadelphia.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe latest update comes only days after Finch personally made Minnesota’s recruiting pitch on the very same Bleacher Report livestream.“It’s an honor to be even in consideration to get a player like LeBron,” Finch said. “I think that’s a credit to our organi