CoolBreeze44 wrote:The KAT - Russell relationship is meaningless to me. Based on what I've heard / read about Russell, KAT isn't the best judge of character. And even if Russell is the greatest person in the league, so what? I mean, how does that advance our situation? One thing the Wolves have today is good - great chemistry, and at the end of the day it led to 29 wins. I have a hard time believing Russell is this great humanitarian, statesman, friend, and colleague. But regardless it's not a good idea to base a trade on it. Evaluate the potential trade by how it changes us on the court, not whether KAT and Russell are bros.
Agreed. Talent trumps good feeling or supposed "chemistry". Just ask the Cavs this season, or Lakers with Kobe and Shaq. Both those teams saw a ton of turmoil, and both won championships. I always feel like these "chemistry" things are overblown.
Chemistry and coach are both very difficult to quantify IMO. I'll say this about the Cavs chemistry that Battier has said on multiple occasions that Lebron is a team guy to a fault. There are some questions about Lebron and coaches but I would say the guy is a guy that is all about elevating his teammates.
A couple more thoughts on #5 plus Payne for Russell.
I also wouldn't put much stock in Towns and Russell's relationship. I'd put it in the positive column but it certainly wouldn't be something that would sway me one way or another.
LST fair enough on your position that the Wolves would ask for a 2nd rounder. As sweetener. Personally I don't think a 2017 2nd round pick would stop a deal either way.
As for Payne...I do still have some hope for him but if a team wanted to take him off our hands I may rather have an open roster spot to sign a vet or a UFA or d-league guy or even keep Rudez around. Lavine and Payne (but completely different levels of total play) are both guys at times have been mind bogglingly bad then do something good on the other end. It's like you never know what you are going to get which Sam (along with other NBA minds) said is NOT what you want off the bench. Lavine had to improve his decision making but it also seems like he is better when he doesn't have to think too much just play. Payne seems to need structure and discipline (like he did in college while also giving effort?). He played his best ball early last season when the team was playing defensive disciplined basketball and you can bet Thibs is going to be demanding guys stick to some very specific principals even if they get out and get up and down the floor. Im hoping they have him play in summer league and see what they might be able to get out of him. My guess is Lip may have included him to match salary as much as anything which we didn't need to do since we have the Budinger trade exception.
Monster -- Yes, I included Payne as a throw-in mainly for salary match. I could see where the Lakers might see some value in him as a low-cost young addition. I don't think we gain much from getting him off our roster since he only has one year left on an inexpensive contact.
The salary match issue is interesting. For example, I don't think we could deal Wiggins or LaVine plus #5 for Butler on draft night. We'd probably have to wait for the new cap to take effect early July so we could absorb the extra salary. At least that's how I think it would work.
lipoli390 wrote:Monster -- Yes, I included Payne as a throw-in mainly for salary match. I could see where the Lakers might see some value in him as a low-cost young addition. I don't think we gain much from getting him off our roster since he only has one year left on an inexpensive contact.
The salary match issue is interesting. For example, I don't think we could deal Wiggins or LaVine plus #5 for Butler on draft night. We'd probably have to wait for the new cap to take effect early July so we could absorb the extra salary. At least that's how I think it would work.
We all remember all too well how long that process was...
