Would You Trade the #5 Pick and LaVine for Butler?

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

I would assume -- not to make an ass out of "u" and "me" -- that it's easier to pass up shots, play in cohesion, and put aside egos if the guy(s) you're playing next to is a friend and someone you entered the league with, or just a year before. It all comes back to that uncanny dynamic the Wolves have when it comes to personalities. Towns, Wiggins, and LaVine seem to genuinely enjoy each other on and off the court. That can't be ignored. They've been to All-Star weekend with each other, shared some memories, worked out together, celebrated birthdays together, etc. I would think that all of that matters. Zach has said in the past that Andrew, or "Drew" as he sometimes calls him, is "his guy." Karl-Anthony is a big piece of this personality pie too. I've never seen someone play as well as he did last year, then say that he thought he played poorly, and then dish out all the credit to teammates. I don't know how Andrew and Zach personally feel about that, but it has to feel good, and I'd bet it's easy to play with a guy like that. Lastly, I can't remember the source, but somebody has a piece on how the PARENTS of Karl, Andrew, and Zach have voiced how their kids want to "build something special" in Minnesota. They've grown up through the Miami Heat (LeBron, Wade, Bosh) and Oklahoma City Thunder (Durant, Westbrook, Harden) days of Big 3's. I would bet that they've discussed doing the same thing in Minnesota, assuming they get to that level.

So, for me, I think it's easier putting aside egos for those three because they started with each other. They have that relationship in place. They already have hopes of this being the long-term core.

When you bring in another lead dog that also replaces one of them in the starting lineup, that's when the dynamic shifts. That's when you realize that it isn't a friends and fun league. It's a business. And if they can ship your buddy out the door, they could ship you out as well.

[Monster]

I voted no.

[AbeVigodaLive]

I would assume -- not to make an ass out of "u" and "me" -- that it's easier to pass up shots, play in cohesion, and put aside egos if the guy(s) you're playing next to is a friend and someone you entered the league with, or just a year before. It all comes back to that uncanny dynamic the Wolves have when it comes to personalities. Towns, Wiggins, and LaVine seem to genuinely enjoy each other on and off the court. That can't be ignored. They've been to All-Star weekend with each other, shared some memories, worked out together, celebrated birthdays together, etc. I would think that all of that matters. Zach has said in the past that Andrew, or "Drew" as he sometimes calls him, is "his guy." Karl-Anthony is a big piece of this personality pie too. I've never seen someone play as well as he did last year, then say that he thought he played poorly, and then dish out all the credit to teammates. I don't know how Andrew and Zach personally feel about that, but it has to feel good, and I'd bet it's easy to play with a guy like that. Lastly, I can't remember the source, but somebody has a piece on how the PARENTS of Karl, Andrew, and Zach have voiced how their kids want to "build something special" in Minnesota. They've grown up through the Miami Heat (LeBron, Wade, Bosh) and Oklahoma City Thunder (Durant, Westbrook, Harden) days of Big 3's. I would bet that they've discussed doing the same thing in Minnesota, assuming they get to that level.

So, for me, I think it's easier putting aside egos for those three because they started with each other. They have that relationship in place. They already have hopes of this being the long-term core.

When you bring in another lead dog that also replaces one of them in the starting lineup, that's when the dynamic shifts. That's when you realize that it isn't a friends and fun league. It's a business. And if they can ship your buddy out the door, they could ship you out as well.

I've been extremely leery of all the "buddy-buddy-buddy" talk about Wiggins, Towns and LaVine. I'm much too cynical about the motivations of today's modern athlete to buy into anything after one year together on a 53-loss squad. Hope there's truth to it though... that kind of stuff makes it more fun to root for the local or favorite team.

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

Yeah, I think it's fine to be a little cynical about the "buddy-buddy" stuff. I don't think we should overplay that angle of things too much, but certainly the things Cam mentioned in his post have some validity. I'd say the wind is at our back more than in our face right now, but it can always shift as these guys eye their first veteran deals.

[SameOldNudityDrew]

I voted no on this one.

As good as Butler is, I don't think it's worth giving up LaVine and the 5th for a chance to see Butler and Wiggins play with Rubio at the point. I think you've got to have more three point shooting for that to work out. Trading away LaVine gives that up, as does passing up Hield or even Murray or Dunn. I've been down on LaVine's decision making in the past, but I still really like his potential and his emerging 3 point range, and adding one of the guards in the draft at 5 would help our depth.

I'd rather roll with:

Rubio/Dunn or Hield or Murray/Tyus
LaVine/Dunn or Hield or Murray
Butler/Bazz

than:
Rubio/Tyus
Wiggins
Butler/Bazz

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

Wasn't sure where to put this, but this is from Wolfson.

"Dedication: Paul LaVine spending endless hours wanting to help make Zach great. Word = dad has helped son get noticeably stronger. #twolves"

[kekgeek]

Wasn't sure where to put this, but this is from Wolfson.

"Dedication: Paul LaVine spending endless hours wanting to help make Zach great. Word = dad has helped son get noticeably stronger. #twolves"

I could look it up but what is paul background

[Camden [enjin:6601484]]

Wasn't sure where to put this, but this is from Wolfson.

"Dedication: Paul LaVine spending endless hours wanting to help make Zach great. Word = dad has helped son get noticeably stronger. #twolves"

I could look it up but what is paul background

Paul, Zach's dad, was an NFL linebacker for one season. Played at Utah State. So, I believe there's real reason to believe that he is legitimately helping Zach add strength and muscle mass. Let's not forget that Zach added roughly 10 pounds last summer.

[mrhockey89]

We're blessed that our young players are hard workers and good kids as it bodes well for their development.

[thedoper]

I am pessimistic about Lavine choosing to work out with his dad again this summer rather than a basketball specialist. His dad has been heavily involved in his career since college and although he may mean well I don't think his is getting the most out of Zach from a development perspective. Great that Zach wants to add some weight, but he really needs work on his defensive footwork and awareness and his decision making with the ball (when to attack quick, when to shoot). I agree that Zach is a hard worker and seems to be a good kid, but I am not convinced that he is a big picture thinker.