Minnesota Sports Forum

monsterpile wrote:The one thing I read a few days ago on the trade from was Barnes was going to have a lot of teams going after him. I like him but I'm not getting into a bidding war for him. Like you said Cam if you can make a deal for the right price you do it. I think Barnes is gonna be too much for me.

I think both Harrison Barnes and Jerami Grant will be highly sought after before the deadline, but I don't really think there will be a significant bidding war. I think the teams that are interested in either/both have an internal price that they're not willing to go over -- or they're limited on assets -- and that's likely not exceeding what the Kings and Pistons, respectively, are set to ask for. Rumors surrounding Grant note that Detroit is looking for two first-round picks or one pick and one young prospect. I think they'll be able to get that, but nothing/not much more.

lipoli390 wrote:Great thread, Cam.

I wouldn't pursue Jerami Grant. I don't like his stats the past couple seasons and he's never been a particularly good rebounder.

I can understand the hesitation with Grant because there are some question marks -- specifically, his next contract, his role moving forward, and whether or not he's willing to play basketball in Minnesota where there's not prominent black leadership in place, which was reportedly part of his decision to sign with Detroit in the first place.

In terms of his ability on the basketball court, I think he'd be an awesome fit for the Wolves. He's long, he's rangy, he's a dynamic athlete, he's versatile, and he's produced on a winner before. I think his play in Detroit allowed him to showcase his offensive game, but we shouldn't forget about his contributions in Oklahoma City and Denver as a super role player. I think if you insert Grant between Anthony Edwards and Jarred Vanderbilt at the three then you'd force teams to adjust how they currently play the Wolves, which is by leaving their smallest defender on Patrick Beverley and then leaving a roamer on Vanderbilt. Most of us here were in love with the idea of Jaden McDaniels start at the three this year with this idea in mind, but he hasn't been a consistently productive player. The idea still remains, though. Shrink the court defensively with length, athleticism, and activity -- space the floor offensively with shooters and shot-creators.

lipoli390 wrote:Harrison Barnes would be a great acquisition. He's be a fit for this team and he'd improve our bench be essentially bumping Beverley back to a 6th man role leading our second unit. But I wouldn't give up all of the assets you suggested in your hypothetical trade, so I don't think I'd be willing to give up enough to get him. I'd substitute Naz Reid for McDaniels and I'd make the 2022 pick lottery protected and eventually converting to two 2nd round picks in 2025.

I agree with bumping Patrick Beverley back to the second unit, which is what a trade for Harrison Barnes or Jerami Grant definitely does. Neither of those guys are coming off the bench at this time in their career and adding Beverley to the bench theoretically increases their output as a unit, especially with Jaylen Nowell's emergence. I think we see eye-to-eye here.

I think you have to be willing to give up quality assets for quality players, and right now I'm not sure Naz Reid is highly-valued around the league. I think center-needy teams could covet him, like Charlotte for instance, but I don't think he has much trade value in general. Minnesota would probably be better off keeping him for right now. I also think the Wolves should be comfortable trading this year's first-round pick because it's likely to be outside the lottery, especially if they acquire a significant piece before the deadline. Both Barnes and Grant are worthy of that pick, in my opinion, as it's unlikely they'll be able to draft someone there that can impact the game immediately like they currently do.

lipoli390 wrote:I love your second trade scenario -- essentially Prince and a couple 2nd-round picks for Covington. I also like your third scenario deal for Robin Lopez.

The Wolves would be well positioned to make the playoffs if they could simply pull off the Covington and Lopez deals you suggested.

We agree here as well. These low-risk, medium-reward trades should be a realistic expectation as fans. Sachin Gupta and the front office cannot miss out on deals like this because they have tunnel vision on bigger targets, which is what I believe happened this past summer. I think Portland is hoping they'll get a first-round pick for an expiring Robert Covington, but I just can't see that happening with the inconsistency he's had as a Blazer. For what it's worth, if Minnesota brought Covington back I could see big-time fan support for the move and even a new contract for him this off-season. He's easily still worth the mid-level exception.

Camden wrote:

monsterpile wrote:The one thing I read a few days ago on the trade from was Barnes was going to have a lot of teams going after him. I like him but I'm not getting into a bidding war for him. Like you said Cam if you can make a deal for the right price you do it. I think Barnes is gonna be too much for me.

I think both Harrison Barnes and Jerami Grant will be highly sought after before the deadline, but I don't really think there will be a significant bidding war. I think the teams that are interested in either/both have an internal price that they're not willing to go over -- or they're limited on assets -- and that's likely not exceeding what the Kings and Pistons, respectively, are set to ask for. Rumors surrounding Grant note that Detroit is looking for two first-round picks or one pick and one young prospect. I think they'll be able to get that, but nothing/not much more.

I simply wouldn't give up 2 first round picks for Grant. That's not because I don't see value in him because I absolutely do. Here are a few reasons not in any particular order of importance.

1. All of us would rather have Grant but the Wolves have some guys that might end up stepping into a role because they improve their play. McDaniels is one guy Prince is another. They don't have to be awesome just play reasonably well on both end of the court and then you have a much better team because of it. Chances of this happening? Sure it's less than 50% but I also don't think it's outrageous either.

2. I've seen teams give up that kind of value and it simply didn't pay off. Covington is an example of that. It's a gamble and I'm not saying don't roll the dice on anything but Grant is a valuable but sort of weird/unique player. I do see a chance that this isn't the right move. His numbers so far this year are a little less exciting than his first sort of breakout year in Detroit. He also isn't playing right now. How long would it take for him to get back in the groove after a return?

3. I know you are very aggressive in adding to the roster and I respect that approach but one problem adding Grant is in a likely trade is that an expiring would be going out and that means what salary flexibility the Wolves would have in the following offseason would be affected. Maybe they play well and make some sort of run this year and decide to go all in. That could happen whether they acquire Grant (or some other player) or not but until I know otherwise I think they are going to be cognizant of the Luxury tax which to me is fine partly depending on how the season plays out. I haven't been watching the games so I can't comment further on whether I think they should be going harder or not.

Obviously having Grant on the roster is a positive but sometimes the offseason is when you can get more value in FA and in trades. Obviously another concern is his future contract but you already discussed that in other posts.

Edit: I should add that the Wolves having some room for next season in terms of salary could help them in making a deal with a team for guy with salary beyond this season. The fact that they can sent out expiring contracts to a team like Detroit might add appeal. One possible positive in the column of dealing for Grant (or another player) is if the Wolves could send out a little more salary than coming in then they could possibly sign another useful player to the vet min and stay under the tax.

Of all those potential trades, I covet Harrison Barnes the most, but he may cost more than we should give up (as others have said).

Moving on from Barnes, I think the biggest need the wolves have is bulk - rebounding and taking over some of the paint duties from KAT. Alex Len would help a lot. Millsap, Favors would be older vets that could help provide bulk and playoff experience that might be available for what the Wolves can spend. Can Lopez provide that toughness? I'm also a big fan of Jusuf Nurkic if Portland decided to move on from the Bosnian Beast.

But what do the Wolves have available for trade? Draft capital, sure, but I'd want to be sparing in that regard, holding the 1sts in reserve and using 2nds. Beasley seems to be finding his stroke - I'd probably make him available, even though player of his shooting ability (if it's working) can be incredibly valuable. Prince, Okogie, either of them should be available and okogie might have value for a playoff bound team, when 10 minutes of on-ball toughness could be a terrific asset.

Just a few thoughts... I think the Wolves should be active in the trade market. I don't know that I trust this team as currently constituted.

Sundog60 wrote:Of all those potential trades, I covet Harrison Barnes the most, but he may cost more than we should give up (as others have said).

Moving on from Barnes, I think the biggest need the wolves have is bulk - rebounding and taking over some of the paint duties from KAT. Alex Len would help a lot. Millsap, Favors would be older vets that could help provide bulk and playoff experience that might be available for what the Wolves can spend. Can Lopez provide that toughness? I'm also a big fan of Jusuf Nurkic if Portland decided to move on from the Bosnian Beast.

But what do the Wolves have available for trade? Draft capital, sure, but I'd want to be sparing in that regard, holding the 1sts in reserve and using 2nds. Beasley seems to be finding his stroke - I'd probably make him available, even though player of his shooting ability (if it's working) can be incredibly valuable. Prince, Okogie, either of them should be available and okogie might have value for a playoff bound team, when 10 minutes of on-ball toughness could be a terrific asset.

Just a few thoughts... I think the Wolves should be active in the trade market. I don't know that I trust this team as currently constituted.

I just posted a more negative take on what you wrote here, Sundog, because I also don't trust this team (even though I've enjoyed watching them this season), and think we have to be very active in the trade market. Where we differ is I'm not interested in little deals, and the kind of players most here are willing to part with are just not going to be very attractive to other teams. I'm more and more convinced Gupta needs to think big...now.

FNG wrote:

Sundog60 wrote:Of all those potential trades, I covet Harrison Barnes the most, but he may cost more than we should give up (as others have said).

Moving on from Barnes, I think the biggest need the wolves have is bulk - rebounding and taking over some of the paint duties from KAT. Alex Len would help a lot. Millsap, Favors would be older vets that could help provide bulk and playoff experience that might be available for what the Wolves can spend. Can Lopez provide that toughness? I'm also a big fan of Jusuf Nurkic if Portland decided to move on from the Bosnian Beast.

But what do the Wolves have available for trade? Draft capital, sure, but I'd want to be sparing in that regard, holding the 1sts in reserve and using 2nds. Beasley seems to be finding his stroke - I'd probably make him available, even though player of his shooting ability (if it's working) can be incredibly valuable. Prince, Okogie, either of them should be available and okogie might have value for a playoff bound team, when 10 minutes of on-ball toughness could be a terrific asset.

Just a few thoughts... I think the Wolves should be active in the trade market. I don't know that I trust this team as currently constituted.

I just posted a more negative take on what you wrote here, Sundog, because I also don't trust this team (even though I've enjoyed watching them this season), and think we have to be very active in the trade market. Where we differ is I'm not interested in little deals, and the kind of players most here are willing to part with are just not going to be very attractive to other teams. I'm more and more convinced Gupta needs to think big...now.

The Wolves starting 5 is the best in the NBA per 100 possessions. The problem has been we are not getting much from the 6-10 guys. We lack depth from the bench players.

Nowell is the only guy really showing up. Naz, Bease, Prince, Jaden, JMac and even Layman haven't done much. A good game here or there, far from consistent.

Like I said in another post though, we certainly could use the BIG 3 to also help get open looks for them too. I know DLO plays a lot with the backup squad guys. I think they are even getting a lot of good looks, just not hitting at a good enough clip.

https://twitter.com/mikeascotto/status/1486391295891419149?s=21Michael Scotto:

Sources: Trail Blazers forward Robert Covington has drawn interest from several teams, including the Minnesota Timberwolves, Cleveland Cavaliers, and more. @TheSteinLine first reported the Utah Jazz.

Robert Covington wasn't great last night for Portland, but I'm glad to see the Wolves have shown interest. Pair this with their reported interest in Jerami Grant and the Minnesota scouts that were at a Sacramento game (Harrison Barnes?) weeks ago and I think this front office sees what we see. They need better wing play, especially if they can get it in the form of a hybrid forward.

Camden wrote:

https://twitter.com/mikeascotto/status/1486391295891419149?s=21Michael Scotto:

Sources: Trail Blazers forward Robert Covington has drawn interest from several teams, including the Minnesota Timberwolves, Cleveland Cavaliers, and more. @TheSteinLine first reported the Utah Jazz.

Robert Covington wasn't great last night for Portland, but I'm glad to see the Wolves have shown interest. Pair this with their reported interest in Jerami Grant and the Minnesota scouts that were at a Sacramento game (Harrison Barnes?) weeks ago and I think this front office sees what we see. They need better wing play, especially if they can get it in the form of a hybrid forward.

Cam what's the most you would give up for Covington? I wonder what's the least Portland will take from anyone. It doesn't seem like people think they will get a 1st round pick for him but how excited will they be for a couple 2nd rounders from teams that will be middle of the road (or better) teams.

monsterpile wrote:

Camden wrote:

https://twitter.com/mikeascotto/status/1486391295891419149?s=21Michael Scotto:

Sources: Trail Blazers forward Robert Covington has drawn interest from several teams, including the Minnesota Timberwolves, Cleveland Cavaliers, and more. @TheSteinLine first reported the Utah Jazz.

Robert Covington wasn't great last night for Portland, but I'm glad to see the Wolves have shown interest. Pair this with their reported interest in Jerami Grant and the Minnesota scouts that were at a Sacramento game (Harrison Barnes?) weeks ago and I think this front office sees what we see. They need better wing play, especially if they can get it in the form of a hybrid forward.

Cam what's the most you would give up for Covington? I wonder what's the least Portland will take from anyone. It doesn't seem like people think they will get a 1st round pick for him but how excited will they be for a couple 2nd rounders from teams that will be middle of the road (or better) teams.

Yeah, I wouldn't give up a first-round pick for this version of Robert Covington. The most I'd be willing to offer straight up is Taurean Prince and two second-round picks. Neither Covington nor Prince have been all that good this year, but it's still a slight upgrade and you're essentially banking that RoCo has better basketball ahead of him.

I also wouldn't give up any of Minnesota's young, rookie scale players for him alone. However, things could change and get interesting if you expand the trade involving more players from Portland or by adding a third team.

I think the question is how does RoCo look in a role where he is coming off the bench and basically an upgrade to Prince, McDaniels, and Okogie? He's still playing 30MPG for Portland and he's just not built for that anymore IMO. But may be a 20 MPG bench role would suit him better?