Minnesota Sports Forum

The real answer is "it depends". The fact he's a competent big man that stays healthy is a pretty big deal by itself. But if he could fetch us something of significance before his rookie deal is up, we have to listen.

I agree with Drew that his offense has been the biggest surprise with him. He has really turned into a multi-faceted threat that has to be accounted for defensively.

Defensively.....I still think he's weak. He's better than last year in that he is staying down better and not leaving his feet so much, but otherwise he still gets bullied a lot inside and doesn't square up and wall off dribble drivers, instead choosing to open his hips trying to block shots. He is late almost every single time and gives up lots of easy layups as result.

I'm fine holding onto him, but I think the Wolves have to keep all options open for a guy that probably has quite a bit of value around the league right now.

I think dealing him is problematic. We might be able to strengthen one area (outside shooting), but you would weaken another (big depth). And to me it doesn't make sense to trade him for another big. G is good and getting better all the time. Not sure what the rationale would be in moving him for a different big.

I agree with everyone who says Dieng should be a leverage piece in negotiations if we find something we really need/want. Dieng has turned it on this year quite a bit, and it was precipitated by his fantastic international tournament showing. But I wouldn't trade Dieng just to trade him. He's clearly a contributor, but ultimately it's about what players will make this team a contender in the future.

Question...would anyone trade him for Willie Cauley-Stein right now?

mrhockey89 wrote:I agree with everyone who says Dieng should be a leverage piece in negotiations if we find something we really need/want. Dieng has turned it on this year quite a bit, and it was precipitated by his fantastic international tournament showing. But I wouldn't trade Dieng just to trade him. He's clearly a contributor, but ultimately it's about what players will make this team a contender in the future.

Question...would anyone trade him for Willie Cauley-Stein right now?

I wouldn't, I like WCS but I don't know if we can 2 guys so below average offensively on the floor together in him and rubio

kekgeek1 wrote:

mrhockey89 wrote:I agree with everyone who says Dieng should be a leverage piece in negotiations if we find something we really need/want. Dieng has turned it on this year quite a bit, and it was precipitated by his fantastic international tournament showing. But I wouldn't trade Dieng just to trade him. He's clearly a contributor, but ultimately it's about what players will make this team a contender in the future.

Question...would anyone trade him for Willie Cauley-Stein right now?

I wouldn't, I like WCS but I don't know if we can 2 guys so below average offensively on the floor together in him and rubio

Well, Rubio does have a tendency to gift freebie baskets to bigs (see Pekovic, see Derrick Williams)

mrhockey89 wrote:I agree with everyone who says Dieng should be a leverage piece in negotiations if we find something we really need/want. Dieng has turned it on this year quite a bit, and it was precipitated by his fantastic international tournament showing. But I wouldn't trade Dieng just to trade him. He's clearly a contributor, but ultimately it's about what players will make this team a contender in the future.

Question...would anyone trade him for Willie Cauley-Stein right now?

I would. I'd try to go after Noel first, but I really like Cauley-Stein too. Four years younger, first year of his rookie deal, way more athletic, potential game-changer on defense and I like that him and Towns already have some chemistry of their own from their UK season. You don't find many bigs that can guard on the perimeter or in space like Cauley-Stein.

I think it will be tough to use Dieng as a chip to upgrade the PF/C position, but might be a good asset for finding a 3&D player.

bleedspeed177 wrote:I think it will be tough to use Dieng as a chip to upgrade the PF/C position, but might be a good asset for finding a 3&D player.

But then who are our bigs coming off the bench, or who is starting next to towns after this year? Pek is done, kg likely done this year and if not, then I surely don't want him starting next year. Belly??? Rudez or Payne?!?!?

I am not for upgrading one facet while downgrading another.

Trading Dieng for a 3 and D wing also handcuffs us in this upcoming draft. As it stands we can take the BPA at any of the 5 positions. Trade Dieng for a 3 and D wing and we are choosing between a PF and C.

TheFuture wrote:

bleedspeed177 wrote:I think it will be tough to use Dieng as a chip to upgrade the PF/C position, but might be a good asset for finding a 3&D player.

But then who are our bigs coming off the bench, or who is starting next to towns after this year? Pek is done, kg likely done this year and if not, then I surely don't want him starting next year. Belly??? Rudez or Payne?!?!?

I am not for upgrading one facet while downgrading another.

Trading Dieng for a 3 and D wing also handcuffs us in this upcoming draft. As it stands we can take the BPA at any of the 5 positions. Trade Dieng for a 3 and D wing and we are choosing between a PF and C.

The best things is to do nothing, but there might be something that makes sense, but timing also will come into play. I would say top 3 needs for this team are. Backup PG, 3&D wing, and PF. In the draft you just go best player since we will likely pick in top 5.

Why trade a big who we have developed into a pretty good player, for a big who is an unknown with potentially a higher ceiling. Eventually you have to stop setting yourself back by rebuilding.