Wolves offseason thread

[60WinTim]

This kind of went under the radar -- I thought the Wolves might extend a QO to Amile Jefferson, but like MGH, that did not happen.

Of course, now that I think about it, the QO would probably have to come out of an exception and not just a vet minimum contract. So now it makes perfect sense.

[Monster]

This kind of went under the radar -- I thought the Wolves might extend a QO to Amile Jefferson, but like MGH, that did not happen.

Of course, now that I think about it, the QO would probably have to come out of an exception and not just a vet minimum contract. So now it makes perfect sense.

I don't think his qualifying offer would come out of any exemption but it would cut into any space they have staying under the lux tax. The difference between his qualifying offer and the vet min is about $200k. It's not a lot of money but it adds up. If I was Amile and the Wolves (or anyone) offered me a vet min deal I would take it. Heck he should probably take a non guaranteed deal as long as he got a decent amount of money for sure like $300k or something. Just being in the league another year means you get more money the next vet min deal. Jon K reported that he gets the feeling the Wolves like him but there needs to be more development. Maybe the good will of signing him late in the season and getting him a bit more money helps them bring him back one way or another. We will see. There will likely be so many vet bigs (including more traditional PFs) available (probably for the vet min even) that could impact what they do with him.

[Lipoli390]

I just finished listening to the Thibodeau/Layden free agent press conference.

First of all, I can't stand listening to Layden and I particularly can't stand how submissive he is around Thibodeau, constantly referring to him as coach. For pete's sake, call him Tom!! Are you that intimidated by Thibodeau?!

As usual, Thibodeau went on and on about Butler. He said he's in constant contact with him and stressed the importance of communication with Butler. He had no similar comments about KAT. Then when asked if he thought it would take as long to extend KAT as it took to extend Wiggins, Thibodeau responded that he had "no idea." So much for communicating. KAT is the key to this franchise as a 23-year old highly durable allstar who can be locked up for 6 years on a rookie max deal. I love Butler, but he's a non-durable 29 year old who can leave as a free agent after this season and who will cost a lot more than KAT to re-sign. I think Thibodeau should definitely stay in close contact with Jimmy and I'm fine with him repeatedly praising him. But his communication with KAT should be equally robust if not better and his overly obvious public Butler-bias has to stop.

One thing I found interesting was Thibodeau identifying what he considers the four key factors that go into free agents deciding what team to choose. Thibs said those factors were (1) the city, (2) winning, (3) money, and (4) teammates. Notoriously absent was any mention of the head coach, coaching staff, playing time or style of play. In other words, he avoided any factors for which the head coach could be held accountable, except perhaps winning, but that's also on the players.

Getting back to Layden. What exactly does he do? There just doesn't seem to be much going on above his neck and between his shoulders. As much as I criticize Thibodeau, I'm thankful he rather than Layden is in charge of the Wolves basketball operations.

Paul George's decision to return to OkC is yet another example of how out of touch Thibs is. He lists "the city" and "winning" as the 2 most important factors for a free agent, and OkC meets neither of these criteria...it's probably the worst NBA city, and they are destined to finish somewhere in the middle of the West playoff teams at best. Nope, as Thorpe states in his podcast, the city has absolutely nothing to do with a free agents' decision, but the way an organization and coaching staff treats its players is a vital factor...and OkC ranks very high in this area, just as the Wolves rank near or at the bottom. Thibs' list is strategic and self-serving on his part...when we end up with only Rose and a couple desperate D-leaguers in free agency, the Thibs bobos will buy into the mantra that the weather and city kept the good guys away. But Thorpe hears what the players are saying, and knows the real reason almost all free agents want to avoid this franchise.
OkC is sadly a much more desirable destination than Minneapolis right now, and will continue to be until Taylor makes the right move in mid-season.

You found the one player that fits your narrative.

What about the MVP Durant leaving that same thunder team for warriors. LBJ and the lakers. Boogie and the lakers. LBJ left for Miami.

With that said in the wolves franchise thibs yes thibs has signed arguably the best 2 free agent signings in wolves history in Teague and Taj

And Thibs paid those two more than anyone else offered them. The Thunder were only offering Taj around $8 million per year. We paid him $14 million per year for two years. I doubt anyone else offered three years guaranteed at $19 million per year to Teague. It was clearly the money plus the perceived opportunity to win with Butler, KAT and Wiggins already here that got those two free agents to come here. It was also what got Crawford here, but he left as soon as he could for what will probably be less money even though he got more playing time than he can expect anywhere else.

Durant's stated reason for going to Golden State was their style of play and the team-first atmosphere. It's also been reported that he didn't like playing with Westbrook, which isn't surprising. In that sense, Thibs was right when he identified teammates as one of the four factors free agents consider. But Thibs strategically left out style of play among his factors and that was a huge factor for Durant leaving OKC for Golden State. The Thunder is the one other winning team in the League that plays an unimaginative iso-style offense.

[khans2k5 [enjin:6608728]]

I just finished listening to the Thibodeau/Layden free agent press conference.

First of all, I can't stand listening to Layden and I particularly can't stand how submissive he is around Thibodeau, constantly referring to him as coach. For pete's sake, call him Tom!! Are you that intimidated by Thibodeau?!

As usual, Thibodeau went on and on about Butler. He said he's in constant contact with him and stressed the importance of communication with Butler. He had no similar comments about KAT. Then when asked if he thought it would take as long to extend KAT as it took to extend Wiggins, Thibodeau responded that he had "no idea." So much for communicating. KAT is the key to this franchise as a 23-year old highly durable allstar who can be locked up for 6 years on a rookie max deal. I love Butler, but he's a non-durable 29 year old who can leave as a free agent after this season and who will cost a lot more than KAT to re-sign. I think Thibodeau should definitely stay in close contact with Jimmy and I'm fine with him repeatedly praising him. But his communication with KAT should be equally robust if not better and his overly obvious public Butler-bias has to stop.

One thing I found interesting was Thibodeau identifying what he considers the four key factors that go into free agents deciding what team to choose. Thibs said those factors were (1) the city, (2) winning, (3) money, and (4) teammates. Notoriously absent was any mention of the head coach, coaching staff, playing time or style of play. In other words, he avoided any factors for which the head coach could be held accountable, except perhaps winning, but that's also on the players.

Getting back to Layden. What exactly does he do? There just doesn't seem to be much going on above his neck and between his shoulders. As much as I criticize Thibodeau, I'm thankful he rather than Layden is in charge of the Wolves basketball operations.

Paul George's decision to return to OkC is yet another example of how out of touch Thibs is. He lists "the city" and "winning" as the 2 most important factors for a free agent, and OkC meets neither of these criteria...it's probably the worst NBA city, and they are destined to finish somewhere in the middle of the West playoff teams at best. Nope, as Thorpe states in his podcast, the city has absolutely nothing to do with a free agents' decision, but the way an organization and coaching staff treats its players is a vital factor...and OkC ranks very high in this area, just as the Wolves rank near or at the bottom. Thibs' list is strategic and self-serving on his part...when we end up with only Rose and a couple desperate D-leaguers in free agency, the Thibs bobos will buy into the mantra that the weather and city kept the good guys away. But Thorpe hears what the players are saying, and knows the real reason almost all free agents want to avoid this franchise.
OkC is sadly a much more desirable destination than Minneapolis right now, and will continue to be until Taylor makes the right move in mid-season.

You found the one player that fits your narrative.

What about the MVP Durant leaving that same thunder team for warriors. LBJ and the lakers. Boogie and the lakers. LBJ left for Miami.

With that said in the wolves franchise thibs yes thibs has signed arguably the best 2 free agent signings in wolves history in Teague and Taj

And Thibs paid those two more than anyone else offered them. The Thunder were only offering Taj around $8 million per year. We paid him $14 million per year for two years. I doubt anyone else offered three years guaranteed at $19 million per year to Teague. It was clearly the money plus the perceived opportunity to win with Butler, KAT and Wiggins already here that got those two free agents to come here. It was also what got Crawford here, but he left as soon as he could for what will probably be less money even though he got more playing time than he can expect anywhere else.

Durant's stated reason for going to Golden State was their style of play and the team-first atmosphere. It's also been reported that he didn't like playing with Westbrook, which isn't surprising. In that sense, Thibs was right when he identified teammates as one of the four factors free agents consider. But Thibs strategically left out style of play among his factors and that was a huge factor for Durant leaving OKC for Golden State. The Thunder is the one other winning team in the League that plays an unimaginative iso-style offense.

Why does Kawhi want out again?

[longstrangetrip [enjin:6600564]]

I just finished listening to the Thibodeau/Layden free agent press conference.

First of all, I can't stand listening to Layden and I particularly can't stand how submissive he is around Thibodeau, constantly referring to him as coach. For pete's sake, call him Tom!! Are you that intimidated by Thibodeau?!

As usual, Thibodeau went on and on about Butler. He said he's in constant contact with him and stressed the importance of communication with Butler. He had no similar comments about KAT. Then when asked if he thought it would take as long to extend KAT as it took to extend Wiggins, Thibodeau responded that he had "no idea." So much for communicating. KAT is the key to this franchise as a 23-year old highly durable allstar who can be locked up for 6 years on a rookie max deal. I love Butler, but he's a non-durable 29 year old who can leave as a free agent after this season and who will cost a lot more than KAT to re-sign. I think Thibodeau should definitely stay in close contact with Jimmy and I'm fine with him repeatedly praising him. But his communication with KAT should be equally robust if not better and his overly obvious public Butler-bias has to stop.

One thing I found interesting was Thibodeau identifying what he considers the four key factors that go into free agents deciding what team to choose. Thibs said those factors were (1) the city, (2) winning, (3) money, and (4) teammates. Notoriously absent was any mention of the head coach, coaching staff, playing time or style of play. In other words, he avoided any factors for which the head coach could be held accountable, except perhaps winning, but that's also on the players.

Getting back to Layden. What exactly does he do? There just doesn't seem to be much going on above his neck and between his shoulders. As much as I criticize Thibodeau, I'm thankful he rather than Layden is in charge of the Wolves basketball operations.

Paul George's decision to return to OkC is yet another example of how out of touch Thibs is. He lists "the city" and "winning" as the 2 most important factors for a free agent, and OkC meets neither of these criteria...it's probably the worst NBA city, and they are destined to finish somewhere in the middle of the West playoff teams at best. Nope, as Thorpe states in his podcast, the city has absolutely nothing to do with a free agents' decision, but the way an organization and coaching staff treats its players is a vital factor...and OkC ranks very high in this area, just as the Wolves rank near or at the bottom. Thibs' list is strategic and self-serving on his part...when we end up with only Rose and a couple desperate D-leaguers in free agency, the Thibs bobos will buy into the mantra that the weather and city kept the good guys away. But Thorpe hears what the players are saying, and knows the real reason almost all free agents want to avoid this franchise.
OkC is sadly a much more desirable destination than Minneapolis right now, and will continue to be until Taylor makes the right move in mid-season.

You found the one player that fits your narrative.

What about the MVP Durant leaving that same thunder team for warriors. LBJ and the lakers. Boogie and the lakers. LBJ left for Miami.

With that said in the wolves franchise thibs yes thibs has signed arguably the best 2 free agent signings in wolves history in Teague and Taj

And Thibs paid those two more than anyone else offered them. The Thunder were only offering Taj around $8 million per year. We paid him $14 million per year for two years. I doubt anyone else offered three years guaranteed at $19 million per year to Teague. It was clearly the money plus the perceived opportunity to win with Butler, KAT and Wiggins already here that got those two free agents to come here. It was also what got Crawford here, but he left as soon as he could for what will probably be less money even though he got more playing time than he can expect anywhere else.

Durant's stated reason for going to Golden State was their style of play and the team-first atmosphere. It's also been reported that he didn't like playing with Westbrook, which isn't surprising. In that sense, Thibs was right when he identified teammates as one of the four factors free agents consider. But Thibs strategically left out style of play among his factors and that was a huge factor for Durant leaving OKC for Golden State. The Thunder is the one other winning team in the League that plays an unimaginative iso-style offense.

Why does Kawhi want out again?

Nobody knows for sure, but reports are he feels he was disrespected last year regarding his injury. So even though the Spurs are considered a great organization, this is one example where the way they treated one of their players is making him want to leave.

[Lipoli390]

I just finished listening to the Thibodeau/Layden free agent press conference.

First of all, I can't stand listening to Layden and I particularly can't stand how submissive he is around Thibodeau, constantly referring to him as coach. For pete's sake, call him Tom!! Are you that intimidated by Thibodeau?!

As usual, Thibodeau went on and on about Butler. He said he's in constant contact with him and stressed the importance of communication with Butler. He had no similar comments about KAT. Then when asked if he thought it would take as long to extend KAT as it took to extend Wiggins, Thibodeau responded that he had "no idea." So much for communicating. KAT is the key to this franchise as a 23-year old highly durable allstar who can be locked up for 6 years on a rookie max deal. I love Butler, but he's a non-durable 29 year old who can leave as a free agent after this season and who will cost a lot more than KAT to re-sign. I think Thibodeau should definitely stay in close contact with Jimmy and I'm fine with him repeatedly praising him. But his communication with KAT should be equally robust if not better and his overly obvious public Butler-bias has to stop.

One thing I found interesting was Thibodeau identifying what he considers the four key factors that go into free agents deciding what team to choose. Thibs said those factors were (1) the city, (2) winning, (3) money, and (4) teammates. Notoriously absent was any mention of the head coach, coaching staff, playing time or style of play. In other words, he avoided any factors for which the head coach could be held accountable, except perhaps winning, but that's also on the players.

Getting back to Layden. What exactly does he do? There just doesn't seem to be much going on above his neck and between his shoulders. As much as I criticize Thibodeau, I'm thankful he rather than Layden is in charge of the Wolves basketball operations.

Paul George's decision to return to OkC is yet another example of how out of touch Thibs is. He lists "the city" and "winning" as the 2 most important factors for a free agent, and OkC meets neither of these criteria...it's probably the worst NBA city, and they are destined to finish somewhere in the middle of the West playoff teams at best. Nope, as Thorpe states in his podcast, the city has absolutely nothing to do with a free agents' decision, but the way an organization and coaching staff treats its players is a vital factor...and OkC ranks very high in this area, just as the Wolves rank near or at the bottom. Thibs' list is strategic and self-serving on his part...when we end up with only Rose and a couple desperate D-leaguers in free agency, the Thibs bobos will buy into the mantra that the weather and city kept the good guys away. But Thorpe hears what the players are saying, and knows the real reason almost all free agents want to avoid this franchise.
OkC is sadly a much more desirable destination than Minneapolis right now, and will continue to be until Taylor makes the right move in mid-season.

You found the one player that fits your narrative.

What about the MVP Durant leaving that same thunder team for warriors. LBJ and the lakers. Boogie and the lakers. LBJ left for Miami.

With that said in the wolves franchise thibs yes thibs has signed arguably the best 2 free agent signings in wolves history in Teague and Taj

And Thibs paid those two more than anyone else offered them. The Thunder were only offering Taj around $8 million per year. We paid him $14 million per year for two years. I doubt anyone else offered three years guaranteed at $19 million per year to Teague. It was clearly the money plus the perceived opportunity to win with Butler, KAT and Wiggins already here that got those two free agents to come here. It was also what got Crawford here, but he left as soon as he could for what will probably be less money even though he got more playing time than he can expect anywhere else.

Durant's stated reason for going to Golden State was their style of play and the team-first atmosphere. It's also been reported that he didn't like playing with Westbrook, which isn't surprising. In that sense, Thibs was right when he identified teammates as one of the four factors free agents consider. But Thibs strategically left out style of play among his factors and that was a huge factor for Durant leaving OKC for Golden State. The Thunder is the one other winning team in the League that plays an unimaginative iso-style offense.

Why does Kawhi want out again?

Lol. You tell me. He's a strange dude, I think. Based on most reports, he seems pissed at the Spurs organization for the way they handled his injury and he seems especially pissed at the way other Spurs' players publicly chided him. Some reports suggest Kawhi wants to play in a bigger market for more outside revenue opportunities and some believe he just wants to play in California. He's the first player in memory who hasn't wanted to stay with the Spurs once there. Belinelli is excited to be back with the Spurs.

[Lipoli390]

Having failed to land Paul George, it the Lakes are reportedly recruiting Cousins and exploring the possibility of poaching Capela from the Rockets with a free agent offer. I read a report that LeBron intends to sign with the Lakers in spite of them not getting Paul George and regardless of whether the Lakers trade for Kawhi Leonard. The report said LeBron has already quietly committed to the Lakers and that talks with other teams are part of a charade. I'm not quite sure why LeBron would be delaying the announcement if he's already decided and committed. My guess is that he hasn't committed but is leaning torwards the Lakers. That would explain why the Lakers are pursing Cousins and why they'd consider a long-shot move to sign Capela when the Rockets could and undoubtedly would match any offer.

I think that adding LeBron to the now more experienced existing young core of the Lakers (Ball, Ingram, Kuzma and Hart) would be enough to get the Lakers into the playoffs. But it doesn't seem like enough to crack the top 2 or even the top 5. Adding a focused and healthy Cousins could vault the Lakers into the top tier in the West next season, but whether Cousins can come back fully from his Achilles tear and when are big question marks. I still don't see the Lakers getting Kawhi from them Spurs. If they do and they also sign LeBron, then maybe. But it also depends on who they give up to get Kawhi.

[WildWolf2813]

Relationships with players definitely plays a huge role in recruitment. Jimmy Butler helped in that regard. Obviously we know Towns is popular and respected among his peers.

Wiggins on the other hand isn't viewed the same way.

[Lipoli390]

Relationships with players definitely plays a huge role in recruitment. Jimmy Butler helped in that regard. Obviously we know Towns is popular and respected among his peers.

Wiggins on the other hand isn't viewed the same way.

I agree, Wild.

[Monster]

Friendly reminder that we are like 19 hours and 13 mins into FA...it's still pretty early folks.