Season Predictions 2016
Current seeding: 13th
Projected seeding: 13th
Nobody thought this would be a playoff team, rather the goal was for Minnesota to make progress towards figuring out their future core. Success. PF/C Karl Anthony-Towns put up a phenomenal inaugural season that is likely to give Minnesota back-to-back Rookie of the Year honors; star SF/SG Andrew Wiggins took home the award last season. Prospects C/PF Gorgui Dieng, Wiggins, PG Ricky Rubio, PG/SG Zach LaVine, and even someone like SF Shabazz Muhammad all improved this season, and it’s clear that the ‘Wolves hope to keep these guys around for the long haul. PG Tyus Jones and PF Adreian Payne had mediocre seasons at best, and it’s unfortunate that the team had to cut ties with ex-#1 pick PF Anthony Bennett, but these are almost minor details. Expect this team to snap their playoff drought with a boom in no time flat.
Power Rankings
Overall Ranking: 29th
Tier: Bottom-Feeders
Projected Seeding: 15th in West
Let me get one thing straight: this team has probably the brightest future of any team in the entire association. If I were projecting what the power rankings would look like in 2020, I'd likely put Minnesota in the #1 spot with confidence. That said, this is 2015, not 2020, and the Timberwolves are sitting on a plethora of promising, but undeveloped, young prospects. Headlining this group are the past two number one overall picks (which speaks volumes to the team's recent success, even if the former was acquired via a trade): SF/SG Andrew Wiggins, the reigning rookie of the year, and rookie PF/C Karl Anthony-Towns. Other key long-term pieces on this young squad include the high-flying PG/SG Zach LaVine, productive C/PF Gorgui Dieng, and probably the pass-happy PG Ricky Rubio, though the star has been plagued by injuries and his name has even surfaced in a couple of trade rumors, as both LaVine and rookie PG Tyus Jones are behind Rubio on the depth chart. Minnesota also possesses a pair of still-productive veterans from the Kevin Love era, in SG Kevin Martin (32 years old) and C Nikola Pekovic (29). The logical route would be to sell off these pieces for more future assets, such as draft picks or prospects, in order to give their budding stars more playing time, though Pekovic's contract may make him difficult to move. The Timberwolves also have plenty of veteran leaders for their youngsters, who were brought in for seemingly that sole purpose, such as PG Andre Miller, SF Tayshaun Prince, and of course the legendary PF/C Kevin Garnett. Still, all of these factors add up towards Minnesota being ultra-competitive in the future, but for now it is likely in the team's best interest to lose games rather than winning them.
Trade Grades
Click here for link to Indiana Pacers Trade Grades
Pacers get: SF/SG Chase Budinger
Timberwolves get: SF/PF Damjan Rudez
Minnesota was smart to rid themselves of costly veterans like Budinger. As they have a young team and are looking to maximize cap space and flexibility, having veterans hinder the development of their prospects by eating up playing time is far from ideal. However, what they are supposed to do is get more prospects and draft picks back in exchange, and that’s not what they did here. Rudez is already 29, and although he is a fantastic three-point shooter, he does little else and has less trade value than Budinger. The Timberwolves would have done better to net themselves something along the lines of a second-round draft pick in exchange, though this deal is not too disastrous.
Grade: C+
Trade Grades
Click here for link to Cleveland Cavaliers Trade Grades
Timberwolves get: Draft rights to PG Tyus Jones (#24 pick)
Cavaliers get: Draft rights to: SG Cedi Osman (#31) , PF/C Rakeem Christmas (#36)
This was a fair deal by the Timberwolves to bring in outstanding Duke point guard and Minnesota native, Tyus Jones. Normally, I’d say that giving away #’s 31 and 36 for 24 in the NBA Draft is getting burned, but Jones shouldn’t have been on the board by the time the Cavs were up, anyways, so this one is a pretty even swap. the only thing I don’t like here is that Minnesota really doesn’t need Jones -- they have plenty of depth at point guard already. But I’m convinced that they can make it work.
Jones has all the makings of a pure and true point guard. He has an elite basketball I.Q, knowing when to shoot and when to pass, and excelling at both. His passing vision is second to none, and he can score in any way: three-pointers, slashing, off the dribble, etc. The Duke standout is also very tough, not to mention his ability to make clutch shots. Though he lacks some physical tools that other prospects boast, nor does he have much quickness or speed, the reigning NCAA Tournament MVP can make an impact both immediately and has high upside long-term. PG/SG Zach LaVine will probably slide over to shooting guard more often in order to make room for the Minnesota native to back up star PG Ricky Rubio in what will now be a very crowded Timberwolves backcourt, and Jones will need to earn his playing time.
Osman is one of those guys that really can play three positions for you: PG, SG, and SF. He has great size at 6’6” for wherever he is in the lineup, and can distribute the basketball with the best of them. He’s also always playing 110% at all times with a high motor, and has a great feel for the game overall. However, the #1 pick of round 2 lacks a three-point shot, and also lacks physical tools such as strength and athleticism. He’s a solid player, but it’s not like the Timberwolves are kicking themselves for trading the pick that turned into Osman.
Christmas boasts elite length (7’3” wingspan) and athleticism, which help him in becoming an outstanding defender. He also puts his length and athleticism to use in rebounding, which he excels at as well. His offensive game, the jump-shot in particular, needs work, but he has steadily improved and features an incomplete yet rapidly growing post game. Christmas will also need to play with more effort on both ends of the court, and lacks some fundamentals as well. Above all, he’s 23 years old, making his upside and ability to develop that much smaller, as he’s a few years older than most other prospects. So for young, rebuilding team like the Timberwolves, missing out on a guy that has a capped upside isn’t a big deal, no matter how well he can contribute right away.
Though the fit of Jones in Minnesota's backcourt is questionable, the value certainly isn’t. Stars are generally born in the first round, not the second. And that’s the kind of potential the Timberwolves got in the deal, so much so that the value just simply outweighs the poor fit.
Grade: B+
Best/Worst Draft Scenarios
(#1 pick)
Best Case Scenario: Drafting PF/C Karl Anthony-Towns (Kentucky, Freshman)
The near-consensus top prospect in the draft, Towns is as versatile as they come. He’s an excellent defender, certainly the best in this draft, averaging 2.3 blocks and 0.5 steals per game in just 21 minutes in his only season at Kentucky. He’s a solid rebounder (6.7 per game), and also hits his free throws at a very impressive 81.3% clip. His offensive game is still a work in progress, but he has a nice mid-range jumper that can be put to use immediately in the pros, and which helped him average 10.3 points on a highly efficient 56.6% shooting in college. With Minnesota being relatively loaded with young talent in the backcourt and on the wings, as well as having Gorgui Dieng and Nikola Pekovic fighting more minutes at center, Towns is that much more perfect of a fit at power forward -- a position of need for the Timberwolves. A future starting lineup of PG Ricky Rubio, SG Zach LaVine, SF/SG Andrew Wiggins, PF/C Karl Anthony-Towns, and C Gorgui Dieng could become perennial title contenders in as little as a few years.
Worst Case Scenario: Drafting anyone but Towns
This is highly unlikely, as Towns in considered the best player in the draft and fills a need for the Timberwolves. However, they could still have taking C Jahlil Okafor, PG/SG D’Angelo Russell, or PG Emmanuel Mudiay in mind, and that would be the wrong choice. One could make the case that Okafor is actually better than Towns, but even so, drafting a ball-dominant scorer with some defensive issues at a position where Minnesota is already a little overloaded (center) makes little sense. Russell and Mudiay are regarded as a decent drop-off in talent from Towns and Okafor, so that would already raise some red flags. The fact that they would be drafted into a crowded backcourt featuring Rubio, LaVine, SG Kevin Martin (plus the occasional Wiggins-at-shooting-guard lineup) would be a pretty horrific mistake. Towns is the easy, obvious, and correct choice.
Draft Targets
Pick #2: Karl Anthony-Towns, Power Forward/Center, Kentucky
The Timberwolves are in a pretty easy spot should they get the number two pick: just take whichever of Towns or Okafor is available. I have the Knicks taking Okafor, so the do-it-all Towns should be an easy selection for Flip Saunders and his front office. Towns' winning culture from Kentucky only adds to his resume, and the fact that Minnesota could use an extra young power forward just makes this a dream scenario.
Season Predictions
Regular Season: Trading away superstar PF/C Kevin Love this summerall but sealed the Timberwolves’ fate that their decade-long playoff drought would continue for at least a couple more seasons. Minnesota does have one of the best young cores in the league, headlined by PG Ricky Rubio, PG/SG Zach Lavine, SF/SG Andrew Wiggins, PF/SF Anthony Bennett, and C/PF Gorgui Dieng, as well as a few veterans leading the way, however. The most notable of these veterans is legendary franchise player PF/C Kevin Garnett, who at 38 years old was recently acquired from Brooklyn to mentor the young guys. The Timberwolves’ long playoff drought will be broken in a few years and likely in dramatic fashion as they will probably be a title contender when their young guys develop, but for now they are tanking and have one of the worst records in the league.
Projected Record: 21-61, 15th in West
Trade Grades
Timberwolves get: PF/C Kevin Garnett
Nets get: PF/SF Thaddeus Young
Sigh. As a rebuilding team, the Timberwolves had a real opportunity to get actual value for the veteran Young. Many teams were likely interested in the forward's services, and on a reasonable contract, it seemed very possible that Minnesota could've gotten at least a first-rounder to help their rebuild and add another piece to their youthful squad of players in their early twenties. Alas, that was not the case. Instead, President Flip Saunders brought in the fourth oldest player in the league in Garnett, who turns 39 in May. Granted, Garnett had a legendary career for Minnesota during his prime and could do wonders towards mentoring the younger guys, and this trade is likely more about nostalgia to the days when the Timberwolves were good than anything else. However, is having a mentor with no gas left in the tank who could retire after this season really worth passing on a first-rounder for a team that could really use some more of them?
Grade: C-
One Trade That Every Team Should Do
Minnesota gets: PF Terrence Jones, SG Jason Terry, New Orleans’ 2015 first-rounder (via Houston)
Houston gets: PG/SG Goran Dragic, C Miles Plumlee
Phoenix gets: C Nikola Pekovic, Denver’s 2015 second-rounder (via Minnesota)
Finances: Before delving into this one, I highly suggest that you read Houston, which gives pretty much the same trade except C Brook Lopez gets shipped to Phoenix instead of Pekovic, which obviously means that Brooklyn is involved instead of Minnesota. To summarize it: Terry is a contract filler on an expiring deal worth $5.5 million, Plumlee and Jones are still on their cheap rookie deals, and Dragic is on an expiring contract, due for a new deal for about $13 million annually this offseason. Pekovic is the only new player to explain, and he’s due for $12.1 million next year, as he’s fresh off a 5 year/$60 million extension. There you go.
The Fit: As a young, rebuilding team, Pekovic was only hindering the growth of C Gorgui Dieng, and dealing him for all these assets makes plenty of sense. For the 29 year old, Minnesota swap a second-rounder with a very valuable first-rounder, and also nets young defensive stud PF Terrence Jones. The 23 year old is averaging 9.5 points on 49%, 4.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks, noticeable drop-offs from last season: 12 points on 54% shooting, 7 rebounds, 1.5 blocks and 1 steal. However, this slip is mainly due to persistent injuries rather than a slump. Terry is of little value and is just to make the finances work
Why the other teams do it: Again, I really suggest you read Houston for this one, but I’ll summarize. The Rockets are a contending team with a hole at point guard, so acquiring a star like Dragic makes sense. Future assets like Jones and the first-rounder are of little value to a team that could win the title with Dragic, and Plumlee is a solid big man who can help Houston get rhough superstar C Dwight Howard’s injury. For Phoenix, they will likely not re-sign Dragic anyways, so trading him for whatever they can get makes sense, and Plumlee has been unhappy with his smaller role in Phoenix as well. Dealing both for a back to the basket scorer makes a lot of sense, as the Suns have needed one for quite some time, and the second-rounder helps too. Pekovic is another guy who has been rather disappointing, as after averaging 17.5 points on 54% shooting as well as 9 rebounds per game, he is only putting up 13.5 points on 45% shooting to go with just 7 rebounds. Still, he is a highly productive low-post scorer that the Suns would certainly use to the fullest of his capabilities. This is a good trade for all parties involved, which is why you see pretty much the exact same trade three times (under Houston and under Phoenix).
Trade Grades
Timberwolves get: PF Adreian Payne
Hawks get: 2017 first-round draft pick (lottery protected from 2017-2020; if not conveyed, turns into second-rounder)
Great low-risk, high-reward move here by Flip Saunders. After creating an open roster spot with the Mo Williams trade, Saunders wasted little time filling it. Payne has had a disappointing rookie year, playing in just three games and averaging 1.7 points and 1.3 rebounds in just 6.3 minutes per game, which is probably why the Hawks were willing to deal him for such a low price. The 23 year old rookie has potential, as he was selected 15th overall this year by Atlanta for a reason. Averaging 16.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1 block per game in his senior year at Michigan State, Payne was one of the most talented players in the draft, not going higher due to his age. The pick means next to nothing for Minnesota, as it is far in the future where Minnesota will hopefully be a good team, and even if they’re not, they can still keep their pick if it’s in the lottery (teams with one of the 14 worst records) for the next three years, and then it becomes only a second rounder. For someone taken 15th overall, that’s a steal, no matter what kind of season the rookie is having.
Grade: A-
Current seeding: 13th
Projected seeding: 13th
Nobody thought this would be a playoff team, rather the goal was for Minnesota to make progress towards figuring out their future core. Success. PF/C Karl Anthony-Towns put up a phenomenal inaugural season that is likely to give Minnesota back-to-back Rookie of the Year honors; star SF/SG Andrew Wiggins took home the award last season. Prospects C/PF Gorgui Dieng, Wiggins, PG Ricky Rubio, PG/SG Zach LaVine, and even someone like SF Shabazz Muhammad all improved this season, and it’s clear that the ‘Wolves hope to keep these guys around for the long haul. PG Tyus Jones and PF Adreian Payne had mediocre seasons at best, and it’s unfortunate that the team had to cut ties with ex-#1 pick PF Anthony Bennett, but these are almost minor details. Expect this team to snap their playoff drought with a boom in no time flat.
Power Rankings
Overall Ranking: 29th
Tier: Bottom-Feeders
Projected Seeding: 15th in West
Let me get one thing straight: this team has probably the brightest future of any team in the entire association. If I were projecting what the power rankings would look like in 2020, I'd likely put Minnesota in the #1 spot with confidence. That said, this is 2015, not 2020, and the Timberwolves are sitting on a plethora of promising, but undeveloped, young prospects. Headlining this group are the past two number one overall picks (which speaks volumes to the team's recent success, even if the former was acquired via a trade): SF/SG Andrew Wiggins, the reigning rookie of the year, and rookie PF/C Karl Anthony-Towns. Other key long-term pieces on this young squad include the high-flying PG/SG Zach LaVine, productive C/PF Gorgui Dieng, and probably the pass-happy PG Ricky Rubio, though the star has been plagued by injuries and his name has even surfaced in a couple of trade rumors, as both LaVine and rookie PG Tyus Jones are behind Rubio on the depth chart. Minnesota also possesses a pair of still-productive veterans from the Kevin Love era, in SG Kevin Martin (32 years old) and C Nikola Pekovic (29). The logical route would be to sell off these pieces for more future assets, such as draft picks or prospects, in order to give their budding stars more playing time, though Pekovic's contract may make him difficult to move. The Timberwolves also have plenty of veteran leaders for their youngsters, who were brought in for seemingly that sole purpose, such as PG Andre Miller, SF Tayshaun Prince, and of course the legendary PF/C Kevin Garnett. Still, all of these factors add up towards Minnesota being ultra-competitive in the future, but for now it is likely in the team's best interest to lose games rather than winning them.
Trade Grades
Click here for link to Indiana Pacers Trade Grades
Pacers get: SF/SG Chase Budinger
Timberwolves get: SF/PF Damjan Rudez
Minnesota was smart to rid themselves of costly veterans like Budinger. As they have a young team and are looking to maximize cap space and flexibility, having veterans hinder the development of their prospects by eating up playing time is far from ideal. However, what they are supposed to do is get more prospects and draft picks back in exchange, and that’s not what they did here. Rudez is already 29, and although he is a fantastic three-point shooter, he does little else and has less trade value than Budinger. The Timberwolves would have done better to net themselves something along the lines of a second-round draft pick in exchange, though this deal is not too disastrous.
Grade: C+
Trade Grades
Click here for link to Cleveland Cavaliers Trade Grades
Timberwolves get: Draft rights to PG Tyus Jones (#24 pick)
Cavaliers get: Draft rights to: SG Cedi Osman (#31) , PF/C Rakeem Christmas (#36)
This was a fair deal by the Timberwolves to bring in outstanding Duke point guard and Minnesota native, Tyus Jones. Normally, I’d say that giving away #’s 31 and 36 for 24 in the NBA Draft is getting burned, but Jones shouldn’t have been on the board by the time the Cavs were up, anyways, so this one is a pretty even swap. the only thing I don’t like here is that Minnesota really doesn’t need Jones -- they have plenty of depth at point guard already. But I’m convinced that they can make it work.
Jones has all the makings of a pure and true point guard. He has an elite basketball I.Q, knowing when to shoot and when to pass, and excelling at both. His passing vision is second to none, and he can score in any way: three-pointers, slashing, off the dribble, etc. The Duke standout is also very tough, not to mention his ability to make clutch shots. Though he lacks some physical tools that other prospects boast, nor does he have much quickness or speed, the reigning NCAA Tournament MVP can make an impact both immediately and has high upside long-term. PG/SG Zach LaVine will probably slide over to shooting guard more often in order to make room for the Minnesota native to back up star PG Ricky Rubio in what will now be a very crowded Timberwolves backcourt, and Jones will need to earn his playing time.
Osman is one of those guys that really can play three positions for you: PG, SG, and SF. He has great size at 6’6” for wherever he is in the lineup, and can distribute the basketball with the best of them. He’s also always playing 110% at all times with a high motor, and has a great feel for the game overall. However, the #1 pick of round 2 lacks a three-point shot, and also lacks physical tools such as strength and athleticism. He’s a solid player, but it’s not like the Timberwolves are kicking themselves for trading the pick that turned into Osman.
Christmas boasts elite length (7’3” wingspan) and athleticism, which help him in becoming an outstanding defender. He also puts his length and athleticism to use in rebounding, which he excels at as well. His offensive game, the jump-shot in particular, needs work, but he has steadily improved and features an incomplete yet rapidly growing post game. Christmas will also need to play with more effort on both ends of the court, and lacks some fundamentals as well. Above all, he’s 23 years old, making his upside and ability to develop that much smaller, as he’s a few years older than most other prospects. So for young, rebuilding team like the Timberwolves, missing out on a guy that has a capped upside isn’t a big deal, no matter how well he can contribute right away.
Though the fit of Jones in Minnesota's backcourt is questionable, the value certainly isn’t. Stars are generally born in the first round, not the second. And that’s the kind of potential the Timberwolves got in the deal, so much so that the value just simply outweighs the poor fit.
Grade: B+
Best/Worst Draft Scenarios
(#1 pick)
Best Case Scenario: Drafting PF/C Karl Anthony-Towns (Kentucky, Freshman)
The near-consensus top prospect in the draft, Towns is as versatile as they come. He’s an excellent defender, certainly the best in this draft, averaging 2.3 blocks and 0.5 steals per game in just 21 minutes in his only season at Kentucky. He’s a solid rebounder (6.7 per game), and also hits his free throws at a very impressive 81.3% clip. His offensive game is still a work in progress, but he has a nice mid-range jumper that can be put to use immediately in the pros, and which helped him average 10.3 points on a highly efficient 56.6% shooting in college. With Minnesota being relatively loaded with young talent in the backcourt and on the wings, as well as having Gorgui Dieng and Nikola Pekovic fighting more minutes at center, Towns is that much more perfect of a fit at power forward -- a position of need for the Timberwolves. A future starting lineup of PG Ricky Rubio, SG Zach LaVine, SF/SG Andrew Wiggins, PF/C Karl Anthony-Towns, and C Gorgui Dieng could become perennial title contenders in as little as a few years.
Worst Case Scenario: Drafting anyone but Towns
This is highly unlikely, as Towns in considered the best player in the draft and fills a need for the Timberwolves. However, they could still have taking C Jahlil Okafor, PG/SG D’Angelo Russell, or PG Emmanuel Mudiay in mind, and that would be the wrong choice. One could make the case that Okafor is actually better than Towns, but even so, drafting a ball-dominant scorer with some defensive issues at a position where Minnesota is already a little overloaded (center) makes little sense. Russell and Mudiay are regarded as a decent drop-off in talent from Towns and Okafor, so that would already raise some red flags. The fact that they would be drafted into a crowded backcourt featuring Rubio, LaVine, SG Kevin Martin (plus the occasional Wiggins-at-shooting-guard lineup) would be a pretty horrific mistake. Towns is the easy, obvious, and correct choice.
Draft Targets
Pick #2: Karl Anthony-Towns, Power Forward/Center, Kentucky
The Timberwolves are in a pretty easy spot should they get the number two pick: just take whichever of Towns or Okafor is available. I have the Knicks taking Okafor, so the do-it-all Towns should be an easy selection for Flip Saunders and his front office. Towns' winning culture from Kentucky only adds to his resume, and the fact that Minnesota could use an extra young power forward just makes this a dream scenario.
Season Predictions
Regular Season: Trading away superstar PF/C Kevin Love this summerall but sealed the Timberwolves’ fate that their decade-long playoff drought would continue for at least a couple more seasons. Minnesota does have one of the best young cores in the league, headlined by PG Ricky Rubio, PG/SG Zach Lavine, SF/SG Andrew Wiggins, PF/SF Anthony Bennett, and C/PF Gorgui Dieng, as well as a few veterans leading the way, however. The most notable of these veterans is legendary franchise player PF/C Kevin Garnett, who at 38 years old was recently acquired from Brooklyn to mentor the young guys. The Timberwolves’ long playoff drought will be broken in a few years and likely in dramatic fashion as they will probably be a title contender when their young guys develop, but for now they are tanking and have one of the worst records in the league.
Projected Record: 21-61, 15th in West
Trade Grades
Timberwolves get: PF/C Kevin Garnett
Nets get: PF/SF Thaddeus Young
Sigh. As a rebuilding team, the Timberwolves had a real opportunity to get actual value for the veteran Young. Many teams were likely interested in the forward's services, and on a reasonable contract, it seemed very possible that Minnesota could've gotten at least a first-rounder to help their rebuild and add another piece to their youthful squad of players in their early twenties. Alas, that was not the case. Instead, President Flip Saunders brought in the fourth oldest player in the league in Garnett, who turns 39 in May. Granted, Garnett had a legendary career for Minnesota during his prime and could do wonders towards mentoring the younger guys, and this trade is likely more about nostalgia to the days when the Timberwolves were good than anything else. However, is having a mentor with no gas left in the tank who could retire after this season really worth passing on a first-rounder for a team that could really use some more of them?
Grade: C-
One Trade That Every Team Should Do
Minnesota gets: PF Terrence Jones, SG Jason Terry, New Orleans’ 2015 first-rounder (via Houston)
Houston gets: PG/SG Goran Dragic, C Miles Plumlee
Phoenix gets: C Nikola Pekovic, Denver’s 2015 second-rounder (via Minnesota)
Finances: Before delving into this one, I highly suggest that you read Houston, which gives pretty much the same trade except C Brook Lopez gets shipped to Phoenix instead of Pekovic, which obviously means that Brooklyn is involved instead of Minnesota. To summarize it: Terry is a contract filler on an expiring deal worth $5.5 million, Plumlee and Jones are still on their cheap rookie deals, and Dragic is on an expiring contract, due for a new deal for about $13 million annually this offseason. Pekovic is the only new player to explain, and he’s due for $12.1 million next year, as he’s fresh off a 5 year/$60 million extension. There you go.
The Fit: As a young, rebuilding team, Pekovic was only hindering the growth of C Gorgui Dieng, and dealing him for all these assets makes plenty of sense. For the 29 year old, Minnesota swap a second-rounder with a very valuable first-rounder, and also nets young defensive stud PF Terrence Jones. The 23 year old is averaging 9.5 points on 49%, 4.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks, noticeable drop-offs from last season: 12 points on 54% shooting, 7 rebounds, 1.5 blocks and 1 steal. However, this slip is mainly due to persistent injuries rather than a slump. Terry is of little value and is just to make the finances work
Why the other teams do it: Again, I really suggest you read Houston for this one, but I’ll summarize. The Rockets are a contending team with a hole at point guard, so acquiring a star like Dragic makes sense. Future assets like Jones and the first-rounder are of little value to a team that could win the title with Dragic, and Plumlee is a solid big man who can help Houston get rhough superstar C Dwight Howard’s injury. For Phoenix, they will likely not re-sign Dragic anyways, so trading him for whatever they can get makes sense, and Plumlee has been unhappy with his smaller role in Phoenix as well. Dealing both for a back to the basket scorer makes a lot of sense, as the Suns have needed one for quite some time, and the second-rounder helps too. Pekovic is another guy who has been rather disappointing, as after averaging 17.5 points on 54% shooting as well as 9 rebounds per game, he is only putting up 13.5 points on 45% shooting to go with just 7 rebounds. Still, he is a highly productive low-post scorer that the Suns would certainly use to the fullest of his capabilities. This is a good trade for all parties involved, which is why you see pretty much the exact same trade three times (under Houston and under Phoenix).
Trade Grades
Timberwolves get: PF Adreian Payne
Hawks get: 2017 first-round draft pick (lottery protected from 2017-2020; if not conveyed, turns into second-rounder)
Great low-risk, high-reward move here by Flip Saunders. After creating an open roster spot with the Mo Williams trade, Saunders wasted little time filling it. Payne has had a disappointing rookie year, playing in just three games and averaging 1.7 points and 1.3 rebounds in just 6.3 minutes per game, which is probably why the Hawks were willing to deal him for such a low price. The 23 year old rookie has potential, as he was selected 15th overall this year by Atlanta for a reason. Averaging 16.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1 block per game in his senior year at Michigan State, Payne was one of the most talented players in the draft, not going higher due to his age. The pick means next to nothing for Minnesota, as it is far in the future where Minnesota will hopefully be a good team, and even if they’re not, they can still keep their pick if it’s in the lottery (teams with one of the 14 worst records) for the next three years, and then it becomes only a second rounder. For someone taken 15th overall, that’s a steal, no matter what kind of season the rookie is having.
Grade: A-
Trade Grades
Timberwolves get: SG Gary Neal, 2nd round pick
Hornets get: PG Mo Williams, SF Troy Daniels
This one is a bit of a head-scratcher for Minnesota, as this just doesn’t seem to be enough for Williams. He’s on an expiring deal worth just $3.75 million, and that’s more than worth it for a guy whose 6.4 assists per game rank among the top 15 in the NBA. Williams is also chipping in 12 points and 1.5 threes a contest, hardly numbers that scream $3.75 million. In addition, it wasn’t as if Charlotte was bidding against themselves, as the Clippers, Heat, Cavaliers, Rockets, and others all could potentially have had interest in the 32 year old. Gary Neal’s averages of 9.5 points and 1 three doesn’t really add much value for Minnesota in this deal, as the 30 year old is just too old for the Timberwolves’ young, rebuilding team and will likely never play in Minnesota again once his $3.25 million expires. SF Troy Daniels, 23, is averaging 3 ppg this year, and makes little to no impact in this trade. The second-rounder is nice for Minnesota, and trading Williams for future assets was the right call, especially with such a young team. However, for a reasonable contract like Williams who is putting up impressive numbers across the board this year, especially with so many potential suitors, it’s got to be frustrating for Timberwolves fans that they didn’t get more out of this deal.
Grade: C+
Timberwolves get: SG Gary Neal, 2nd round pick
Hornets get: PG Mo Williams, SF Troy Daniels
This one is a bit of a head-scratcher for Minnesota, as this just doesn’t seem to be enough for Williams. He’s on an expiring deal worth just $3.75 million, and that’s more than worth it for a guy whose 6.4 assists per game rank among the top 15 in the NBA. Williams is also chipping in 12 points and 1.5 threes a contest, hardly numbers that scream $3.75 million. In addition, it wasn’t as if Charlotte was bidding against themselves, as the Clippers, Heat, Cavaliers, Rockets, and others all could potentially have had interest in the 32 year old. Gary Neal’s averages of 9.5 points and 1 three doesn’t really add much value for Minnesota in this deal, as the 30 year old is just too old for the Timberwolves’ young, rebuilding team and will likely never play in Minnesota again once his $3.25 million expires. SF Troy Daniels, 23, is averaging 3 ppg this year, and makes little to no impact in this trade. The second-rounder is nice for Minnesota, and trading Williams for future assets was the right call, especially with such a young team. However, for a reasonable contract like Williams who is putting up impressive numbers across the board this year, especially with so many potential suitors, it’s got to be frustrating for Timberwolves fans that they didn’t get more out of this deal.
Grade: C+
State of the Franchise
Projected Cap Space (before luxury tax): $24.7 million
Background: All the bad things started when the Timberwolves tried to be creative and hired sportswriter David Kahn to be their President of Basketball Operations just before the 2009 NBA Draft. Just the year before, they made a draft day trade for PF Kevin Love, who would turn out to be their franchise player. The Timberwolves had three first round picks in that year's draft, two of which they got from the Boston Celtics in return for former franchise PF Kevin Garnett. The three picks they had were the fifth, sixth, and eighteenth. With those respective picks they got Ricky Rubio, Johnny Flynn, and Ty Lawson -- all three point guards. They traded Lawson that night to the Denver Nuggets. Rubio turned out to be a star, but was also injury prone, and Flynn was just a total bust. Looking back at this draft, they realize that they passed on future star players PG Stephen Curry (GSW), SG/SF DeMar DeRozan (TOR), PG Jrue Holiday (NOH), and PG Jeff Teague (ATL). Love turned out to be a superstar, but wasn't surrounded by enough talent to make the playoffs, which led to the firing of David Kahn. And finally, frustrated at the team’s lack of success, Love demanded a trade and ended up with the Cleveland Cavaliers with LeBron James and Kyrie Irving. Minnesota received the past two first overall picks, PF/SF Anthony Bennett and SG/SF Andrew Wiggins along with PF/SF Thaddeus Young in a three-team trade with Cleveland and Philadelphia. Now, with a ton of young prospects, Minnesota is in a good position for the future, but they could have been much better much earlier.
Current Financial State: Minnesota is currently paying $65 million in contracts and the team is projected to be paying only $52 after this season. Most of their money is being paid to C Nikola Pekovic, who is on a 5 year/$60 million deal. No major money is coming off, but they do have a key free agent in the pass-happy Rubio. One of their major pieces moving forward, rookie SG Andrew Wiggins is still on his rookie deal as well as fellow teammates SF/SG Shabazz Muhammad, Bennett, C Gorgui Dieng, and PG/SG Zach LaVine. As a rebuilding team, it is key that they have this cap flexibility as it will help them in the future with trades and/or free agency. To free up some cap space and minutes for their young players, Minnesota will try to trade some of their veterans on deals that go past this year in exchange for more prospects and draft picks.
Targets: In their current rebuilding state, Minnesota is very unlikely to go after a big name free agent this year. They have no interest in winning right now, they have little attractiveness, and they are a small market team. However, they do have a free agent of their own to sign in PG Ricky Rubio. Rubio is coming off his current $5 million rookie-deal, and is obviously due for a raise. He has reportedly asked for a "Stephen Curry" deal, which is a 5 year/$55 million contract. However, due to his injury history, they are unlikely to sign him to a five year deal. He will likely receive something around a 4 year/$44 million deal. Some players they will be looking to move are Pekovic, PG Mo Williams, and Young. One team that could be interested in Pekovic is the Phoenix Suns. They are a team trying to compete, with a strong need for help at C and low-post scoring, and have plenty of young players to offer. A likely package for Pekovic would be C Miles Plumlee, rookie SF TJ Warren, recently acquired PF/C Brandan Wright's expiring contract, and Minnesota's own first round pick in exchange for the Montenegrin big man. In the state that they are in, Minnesota would greatly benefit from this combination of cap relief, young prospects and getting their pick back. One team that could be interested in Young is the Sacramento Kings. They have been looking for a PF to pair with superstar C DeMarcus Cousins and they have plenty to offer to Minnesota. The Timberwolves will look to receive the expiring contract of PF Derrick Williams, rookie SG Nik Stauskas, and a second round pick. Williams' contract would come off the books after this year and in Stauskas they would get another young prospect to evaluate.
The Fit: Rubio's style of play has very frequently drawn comparisons to that of Rajon Rondo. They are both guards who play good defense, lack shooting touch, and assist anyone who is on the floor. Rubio is a crafty point guard who can set up any of his teammates. His style of play is perfect for running an offense and if his comparisons to Rondo hold to be true, we have seen how perfectly Rondo runs his offense. His defense can help take pressure off the other guard while his lack of offensive scoring can be compensated by Wiggins' scoring mentality. When healthy, the Spanish playmaker has shown that he can be productive and helpful, and so Minnesota should be looking to keep their point guard in town. Miles Plumlee is a young center who has potential for Minnesota, as he can compete for minutes down low with Dieng. TJ Warren can score at will and has a very high ceiling, but will end up being a long-term project for Minnesota. His shooting ability will help space the floor with Rubio's deficiency in that department. Brandan Wright is a very efficient shooter and will play minutes off the bench behind Bennett and Dieng. Stauskas fits in Minnesota because of his shooting stroke. His ability to space the floor off the bench will also prove to be useful given Rubio's inability to shoot from deep. Derrick Williams can fill in for Young at PF and although he doesn't have much range either, he can provide some scoring from the PF position. Though they lack star power at the moment, they shouldn’t in a few years as Minnesota’s prospects, namely Wiggins, develop.
Projected Cap Space (before luxury tax): $24.7 million
Background: All the bad things started when the Timberwolves tried to be creative and hired sportswriter David Kahn to be their President of Basketball Operations just before the 2009 NBA Draft. Just the year before, they made a draft day trade for PF Kevin Love, who would turn out to be their franchise player. The Timberwolves had three first round picks in that year's draft, two of which they got from the Boston Celtics in return for former franchise PF Kevin Garnett. The three picks they had were the fifth, sixth, and eighteenth. With those respective picks they got Ricky Rubio, Johnny Flynn, and Ty Lawson -- all three point guards. They traded Lawson that night to the Denver Nuggets. Rubio turned out to be a star, but was also injury prone, and Flynn was just a total bust. Looking back at this draft, they realize that they passed on future star players PG Stephen Curry (GSW), SG/SF DeMar DeRozan (TOR), PG Jrue Holiday (NOH), and PG Jeff Teague (ATL). Love turned out to be a superstar, but wasn't surrounded by enough talent to make the playoffs, which led to the firing of David Kahn. And finally, frustrated at the team’s lack of success, Love demanded a trade and ended up with the Cleveland Cavaliers with LeBron James and Kyrie Irving. Minnesota received the past two first overall picks, PF/SF Anthony Bennett and SG/SF Andrew Wiggins along with PF/SF Thaddeus Young in a three-team trade with Cleveland and Philadelphia. Now, with a ton of young prospects, Minnesota is in a good position for the future, but they could have been much better much earlier.
Current Financial State: Minnesota is currently paying $65 million in contracts and the team is projected to be paying only $52 after this season. Most of their money is being paid to C Nikola Pekovic, who is on a 5 year/$60 million deal. No major money is coming off, but they do have a key free agent in the pass-happy Rubio. One of their major pieces moving forward, rookie SG Andrew Wiggins is still on his rookie deal as well as fellow teammates SF/SG Shabazz Muhammad, Bennett, C Gorgui Dieng, and PG/SG Zach LaVine. As a rebuilding team, it is key that they have this cap flexibility as it will help them in the future with trades and/or free agency. To free up some cap space and minutes for their young players, Minnesota will try to trade some of their veterans on deals that go past this year in exchange for more prospects and draft picks.
Targets: In their current rebuilding state, Minnesota is very unlikely to go after a big name free agent this year. They have no interest in winning right now, they have little attractiveness, and they are a small market team. However, they do have a free agent of their own to sign in PG Ricky Rubio. Rubio is coming off his current $5 million rookie-deal, and is obviously due for a raise. He has reportedly asked for a "Stephen Curry" deal, which is a 5 year/$55 million contract. However, due to his injury history, they are unlikely to sign him to a five year deal. He will likely receive something around a 4 year/$44 million deal. Some players they will be looking to move are Pekovic, PG Mo Williams, and Young. One team that could be interested in Pekovic is the Phoenix Suns. They are a team trying to compete, with a strong need for help at C and low-post scoring, and have plenty of young players to offer. A likely package for Pekovic would be C Miles Plumlee, rookie SF TJ Warren, recently acquired PF/C Brandan Wright's expiring contract, and Minnesota's own first round pick in exchange for the Montenegrin big man. In the state that they are in, Minnesota would greatly benefit from this combination of cap relief, young prospects and getting their pick back. One team that could be interested in Young is the Sacramento Kings. They have been looking for a PF to pair with superstar C DeMarcus Cousins and they have plenty to offer to Minnesota. The Timberwolves will look to receive the expiring contract of PF Derrick Williams, rookie SG Nik Stauskas, and a second round pick. Williams' contract would come off the books after this year and in Stauskas they would get another young prospect to evaluate.
The Fit: Rubio's style of play has very frequently drawn comparisons to that of Rajon Rondo. They are both guards who play good defense, lack shooting touch, and assist anyone who is on the floor. Rubio is a crafty point guard who can set up any of his teammates. His style of play is perfect for running an offense and if his comparisons to Rondo hold to be true, we have seen how perfectly Rondo runs his offense. His defense can help take pressure off the other guard while his lack of offensive scoring can be compensated by Wiggins' scoring mentality. When healthy, the Spanish playmaker has shown that he can be productive and helpful, and so Minnesota should be looking to keep their point guard in town. Miles Plumlee is a young center who has potential for Minnesota, as he can compete for minutes down low with Dieng. TJ Warren can score at will and has a very high ceiling, but will end up being a long-term project for Minnesota. His shooting ability will help space the floor with Rubio's deficiency in that department. Brandan Wright is a very efficient shooter and will play minutes off the bench behind Bennett and Dieng. Stauskas fits in Minnesota because of his shooting stroke. His ability to space the floor off the bench will also prove to be useful given Rubio's inability to shoot from deep. Derrick Williams can fill in for Young at PF and although he doesn't have much range either, he can provide some scoring from the PF position. Though they lack star power at the moment, they shouldn’t in a few years as Minnesota’s prospects, namely Wiggins, develop.
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