The article made it clear that Minnesota didn't entertain any discussions at all, so none of the other financial assets were discussed. It also didn't indicate when the discussions occurred.
This does mean that Blake Griffin is very much available, which has me a bit concerned about the Cavs or some other Eastern team acquiring him. Obviously asking for Towns means the Clippers value him very highly, but they are clearly open to moving him, and the longer that lingers the more appealing Love + BKN might be (and I do think that is an upgrade for the Cavs).