Wolves Offseason Forward Options

[TheGrey08]

Lip I agree with all the things you said about Lebron. I also would argue that a lot of what he has done in his career has been smart business decisions. I'll also say that the Lakers were a .mixed bag surrounding him at times and then basically got an opportunity to build with a new star player in Luka and went for it. I think LeBron leaving could have even been sort of a mutual decision.

Lebron in some ways is an oddly polarizing figure. In an odd way there are some si.klarities to Kirk Cousins. These are really good dudes that do so much of the right things and then get ripped for this and that. I didn't like the decision thing but then again Lebron donated money from it. Do I think it was also a thing he wanted for himself? Yes. I think he does want to control things on his team. That makes sense because he is one of the best all time players and does have a super high BBIq and game. He is also very much a PG type player wanting everyone to score and there are so many stories of him caring about his teammates etc.

Athletes are gonna have a list of their priorities and some of them may never even occur to us. Lebron is going to orchestrate his life. It might be annoying but it's also within his reach to do so. If I had that kind of power and sway at my job you would bet I would try to use it at least some of that influence. Lebron has some terrific options and if he really does take a vet min salary to go where he wants to be should be getting some legit props for that. He has the money to do that but still a lot of guys don't do that and he is Lebron freaking James and is still a very good player.

A lot of good points and observations here. People are complex with positives and negatives. He generally seems like a good dude and I would love to see him and Ant interacting all the time.

[Lipoli390]

Lip I agree with all the things you said about Lebron. I also would argue that a lot of what he has done in his career has been smart business decisions. I'll also say that the Lakers were a .mixed bag surrounding him at times and then basically got an opportunity to build with a new star player in Luka and went for it. I think LeBron leaving could have even been sort of a mutual decision.

Lebron in some ways is an oddly polarizing figure. In an odd way there are some si.klarities to Kirk Cousins. These are really good dudes that do so much of the right things and then get ripped for this and that. I didn't like the decision thing but then again Lebron donated money from it. Do I think it was also a thing he wanted for himself? Yes. I think he does want to control things on his team. That makes sense because he is one of the best all time players and does have a super high BBIq and game. He is also very much a PG type player wanting everyone to score and there are so many stories of him caring about his teammates etc.

Athletes are gonna have a list of their priorities and some of them may never even occur to us. Lebron is going to orchestrate his life. It might be annoying but it's also within his reach to do so. If I had that kind of power and sway at my job you would bet I would try to use it at least some of that influence. Lebron has some terrific options and if he really does take a vet min salary to go where he wants to be should be getting some legit props for that. He has the money to do that but still a lot of guys don't do that and he is Lebron freaking James and is still a very good player.

A lot of good points and observations here. People are complex with positives and negatives. He generally seems like a good dude and I would love to see him and Ant interacting all the time.

I agree, Grey. I’ve never heard or read anything to suggest that LeBron is a bad guy. He’s just not the sort of professional athlete I typically like and admire. I’m drawn to those who take the tougher road - those who look for challenges and not just opportunities. I prefer the athletes who don’t carefully craft their image and brand and who show themselves for who they are. That’s why I’ve always loved Allen Iverson. I prefer those who don’t make themselves the center of the show except through their talents. LeBron’s exit from Cleveland to Miami was a long, drawn out media event. MJ’s return to the Bulls was a simple announcement in the newspaper: “I’m back.”

Having noted all that, I do like the fact that LeBron has always acted like as adult and conducted himself with dignity. There is nothing inappropriate or inherently terrible about “The Decision” or any of the other things LeBron has done and I like the fact that he went back to Cleveland after his stint with the Heat. If he ends up with the Wolves or in Cleveland this time around, I’ll have a much higher opinion of him. Most importantly, LeBron plays unselfish and winning basketball and he would add a lot to the Wolves chances of winning a title next season. So I hope he signs here but I’m trying to manage my expectations to avoid disappointment.

[TheGrey08]

I agree, Grey. I’ve never heard or read anything to suggest that LeBron is a bad guy. He’s just not the sort of professional athlete I typically like and admire. I’m drawn to those who take the tougher road - those who look for challenges and not just opportunities. I prefer the athletes who don’t carefully craft their image and brand and who show themselves for who they are. That’s why I’ve always loved Allen Iverson. I prefer those who don’t make themselves the center of the show except through their talents. LeBron’s exit from Cleveland to Miami was a long, drawn out media event. MJ’s return to the Bulls was a simple announcement in the newspaper: “I’m back.”

Having noted all that, I do like the fact that LeBron has always acted like as adult and conducted himself with dignity. There is nothing inappropriate or inherently terrible about “The Decision” or any of the other things LeBron has done and I like the fact that he went back to Cleveland after his stint with the Heat. If he ends up with the Wolves or in Cleveland this time around, I’ll have a much higher opinion of him. Most importantly, LeBron plays unselfish and winning basketball and he would add a lot to the Wolves chances of winning a title next season. So I hope he signs here but I’m trying to manage my expectations to avoid disappointment.

Oh man, I Absolutely LOVED watching AI play. Probably in my top 5 favorites or very close to that. We talk' bout PRACTICE, man. lol

That's about where I'm at with LeBron too and I would add GS to that list. If he goes there to have fun and play with Steph, more power to him. MIA would be lame. MN & CLE have big storyline and increased legacy.

At this point I just want to see him come to MN if for nothing else, but to prove all the national dipshits wrong. The ones who balk at or dismiss MN or literally act like they are not on the list. The legacy extension this situation provides dwarfs every other option. Competing, fun, youth legacy, MN champ drought.

[Lipoli390]

I agree, Grey. I’ve never heard or read anything to suggest that LeBron is a bad guy. He’s just not the sort of professional athlete I typically like and admire. I’m drawn to those who take the tougher road - those who look for challenges and not just opportunities. I prefer the athletes who don’t carefully craft their image and brand and who show themselves for who they are. That’s why I’ve always loved Allen Iverson. I prefer those who don’t make themselves the center of the show except through their talents. LeBron’s exit from Cleveland to Miami was a long, drawn out media event. MJ’s return to the Bulls was a simple announcement in the newspaper: “I’m back.”

Having noted all that, I do like the fact that LeBron has always acted like as adult and conducted himself with dignity. There is nothing inappropriate or inherently terrible about “The Decision” or any of the other things LeBron has done and I like the fact that he went back to Cleveland after his stint with the Heat. If he ends up with the Wolves or in Cleveland this time around, I’ll have a much higher opinion of him. Most importantly, LeBron plays unselfish and winning basketball and he would add a lot to the Wolves chances of winning a title next season. So I hope he signs here but I’m trying to manage my expectations to avoid disappointment.

Oh man, I Absolutely LOVED watching AI play. Probably in my top 5 favorites or very close to that. We talk' bout PRACTICE, man. lol

That's about where I'm at with LeBron too and I would add GS to that list. If he goes there to have fun and play with Steph, more power to him. MIA would be lame. MN & CLE have big storyline and increased legacy.

At this point I just want to see him come to MN if for nothing else, but to prove all the national dipshits wrong. The ones who balk at or dismiss MN or literally act like they are not on the list. The legacy extension this situation provides dwarfs every other option. Competing, fun, youth legacy, MN champ drought.

I want to echo your point about proving the national pundit dipshits wrong. It’s amazing that even after LeBron’s agent publicly listed the Wolves as one of six teams he’s considering and pointed out a number of features that make the Wolves an attractive destination for LeBron, many of these national pundits have gone out of their way to dismiss the Wolves as a real option. Credit LeBron’s team for naming the Wolves as one of LeBron’s targets even if he already knows it’s unlikely he’ll come here. I actually think LeBron’s agent is sincere about LeBron’s interest in the Wolves. And while I still think he’ll likely end up elsewhere I’m not counting us out.

[Lipoli390]

Question: Is Jalen Duren a realistic and reasonable sign-and-trade option for the Wolves? Rudy would clearly have to be included in any Wolves’ outgoing package. What other players would need to be included in both directions to make the deal both realistic and good for the Wolves? Imagine a front court of Beringer, Duren and Jaden with a backcourt trio of Ant, Ball and Ayo. Interesting.

[Monster]

Question: Is Jalen Duren a realistic and reasonable sign-and-trade option for the Wolves? Rudy would clearly have to be included in any Wolves’ outgoing package. What other players would need to be included in both directions to make the deal both realistic and good for the Wolves? Imagine a front court of Beringer, Duren and Jaden with a backcourt trio of Ant, Ball and Ayo. Interesting.

Duran takes 90% of his shots inside 10 feet.

[Lipoli390]

Question: Is Jalen Duren a realistic and reasonable sign-and-trade option for the Wolves? Rudy would clearly have to be included in any Wolves’ outgoing package. What other players would need to be included in both directions to make the deal both realistic and good for the Wolves? Imagine a front court of Beringer, Duren and Jaden with a backcourt trio of Ant, Ball and Ayo. Interesting.

Duran takes 90% of his shots inside 10 feet.

Yes. But he’s an elite two-way talent. Can Duren or Beringer expand their shooting range? Would they have to for things to work?

[Lipoli390]

Possible Duren Trade Scenario:

Wolves Get: Duren and Duncan Robinson
Pistons Get: Rudy Gobert and 2nd round pick from 3rd team.
3rd Team (Nets or Wizards) Get: Josh Green and Donte

Wolves would get an elite young defensive, rebounding PF and a great 3-point shooter off the bench. Detroit would get a veteran defensive stud at C and a future 2nd from a bad team, which means a pretty high pick. Third team would get a very good relatively young 3&D guys in Josh and a really good player who they’d need to wait for in Donte. Both Josh and Donte are expiring contracts so the third team would also get additional future financial flexibilty for their rebuilding.

I’m not sure I like the idea for the Wolves. Duren’s lack of any outside shooting and the large contract we’d be saddled with going toward concern me. But it’s intriguing.

[Phenom]

I don't think Duren at a max would fit into the salary structure the Wolves have going forward. 3 max guys, if Melo stays at a max level isn't tenable anymore.

[Lipoli390]

I don't think Duren at a max would fit into the salary structure the Wolves have going forward. 3 max guys, if Melo stays at a max level isn't tenable anymore.

I think you’re right, Phenom. In the age of the 2nd apron, this sort of scenario just would’t work. Even taking a contract like PJ’s in a deal for Green would be challenging long term.