Where we stand after the Trade Deadline

[Sundog]

It’s actually pretty amazing what Connelly has been able to do…

- trade for Rudy still in prime, which solidified the defense so that the team won in the playoffs for the first time since Garnett, and went to the WCF, giving Ant, Naz, Jaden critical experience in what it takes to win in the playoffs

- restocked the team with almost too many young studs, despite giving up those picks for Rudy, and traded up into the lottery for Dillingham

- was able to get off the KAT super max, turning that into a shorter, smaller contract for an all-star caliber player in Randle, another young stud in DDV and a 1st which might convey this year, creating much more roster flexibility while only taking a slight step back

I get the grumbling I hear on the board, because we all don’t see these moves the same way. But for my two cents, I think Connelly is a rock star.

[Q-is-here]

It’s actually pretty amazing what Connelly has been able to do…

- trade for Rudy still in prime, which solidified the defense so that the team won in the playoffs for the first time since Garnett, and went to the WCF, giving Ant, Naz, Jaden critical experience in what it takes to win in the playoffs

- restocked the team with almost too many young studs, despite giving up those picks for Rudy, and traded up into the lottery for Dillingham

- was able to get off the KAT super max, turning that into a shorter, smaller contract for an all-star caliber player in Randle, another young stud in DDV and a 1st which might convey this year, creating much more roster flexibility while only taking a slight step back

I get the grumbling I hear on the board, because we all don’t see these moves the same way. But for my two cents, I think Connelly is a rock star.

He is....done far more right than wrong in my opinion and I think he's much more likely to hang around if ALore wins the ownership dispute.

[Wolvesfan21]

Phoenix isn't going to trade Durant to us for just for equivalent salary without extracting some future potential from our roster. If they want to clear salary they can just ride it out with Durant for one more year.

They would want to extract some value that goes beyond one year, which means some combination of Jaden/a re-signed Naz/Dillingham/Shannon/Miller/Detroit 1st.

What's interesting here and something I've been saying is that despite all those 1sts were traded in the Rudy deal, we actually have a pretty damn good core group of guys that are 25 or younger:

Naz (25)
Jaden (24)
TSJ (24)
Ant (23)
Clark (23)
Miller (21)
Dillingham (20)
Detroit 1st Rounder - Pending

That actually might be a pretty competitive 8-man rotation in '25-26!

Yes. That’s what I was trying to convey, Q. We have the makings of a really good, exciting young team that can win in the near term and be a sustainable contender over the long term. You don’t give any of that up for a 37-year old on a high-priced $55 million 1-year rental. At his age, there’s no telling when his production will drop or whether he can be counted on to stay healthy. Moreover, he’s a mercurial player who can’t be counted on to be happy here or extend beyond next season.

I could see a trade also including a two year extension negotiated. So you got him locked up for three years. You don't do it for a one year rental. I agree on that point.

[Wolvesfan21]

It’s actually pretty amazing what Connelly has been able to do…

- trade for Rudy still in prime, which solidified the defense so that the team won in the playoffs for the first time since Garnett, and went to the WCF, giving Ant, Naz, Jaden critical experience in what it takes to win in the playoffs

- restocked the team with almost too many young studs, despite giving up those picks for Rudy, and traded up into the lottery for Dillingham

- was able to get off the KAT super max, turning that into a shorter, smaller contract for an all-star caliber player in Randle, another young stud in DDV and a 1st which might convey this year, creating much more roster flexibility while only taking a slight step back

I get the grumbling I hear on the board, because we all don’t see these moves the same way. But for my two cents, I think Connelly is a rock star.

People are nuts of they think Finch and TC are bad. Do you not remember years since KG got traded? Pretty much all trash.

[Sundog]

It’s actually pretty amazing what Connelly has been able to do…

- trade for Rudy still in prime, which solidified the defense so that the team won in the playoffs for the first time since Garnett, and went to the WCF, giving Ant, Naz, Jaden critical experience in what it takes to win in the playoffs

- restocked the team with almost too many young studs, despite giving up those picks for Rudy, and traded up into the lottery for Dillingham

- was able to get off the KAT super max, turning that into a shorter, smaller contract for an all-star caliber player in Randle, another young stud in DDV and a 1st which might convey this year, creating much more roster flexibility while only taking a slight step back

I get the grumbling I hear on the board, because we all don’t see these moves the same way. But for my two cents, I think Connelly is a rock star.

I forgot about the Dlo trade for Conley, NAW and three second round picks! Apparently today is the anniversary of Conley and NAW joining the team.

[DNatagal]

Finch still doesn't inspire confidence for me. But the offense had more movement against the Blazers with the Pups on the court. If they can get more movement, and fast breaks! it will create hope that we have the right guy at the helm.

[Coolbreeze44]

TC is a top 5 GM in the league, and Finch can coach. I think that combination works for at least a few more years. Yes, we took a temporary step back with the KAT trade, but we have a nice blend of young veterans and prospects who should be able to keep the arrow pointing up. I'm not convinced Ant can be him, but we should make the playoffs for the foreseeable future. Once the cap situation gets straightened out, maybe we can add the final piece to get us a championship.