Minnesota Sports Forum

One Year Remaining

Guys with one year remaining are always an interesting case since the team could lose them for nothing a year from now when they could hit free agency. The Wolves have three guys that potentially fit that category: Rudy, NAZ and NAW. While there is no rush to make a decision this off-season, the clock starts ticking as next year's trade deadline approaches. Just like it did with DLo - you hate to potentially lose that contract $ value since you have no way to replace it with the 2nd apron restrictions.

Rudy is not a concern because there is no way he is not picking up his player option, unless it's for a more beneficial extension.

NAZ is a tough one. It sure seems like he ought to decline his player option for a chance at a bigger deal in free agency. But because he is such a fan favorite, it seems the two sides could reach a contract agreement. NAZ has improved every year, and it is reasonable to expect that trend to continue. I saw some NAZ-for-Tyus comments, but I just don't see it. Tyus isn't that big a leap over simply re-signing Monte Morris, so why lose an asset like NAZ for Tyus? (This assumes next year's Morris is more like prior year versions of Morris!)

NAW had a pretty poor playoff run, at least from a shooting perspective. His salary is not very large, although 2nd apron restrictions would make it tough to replace. He is still relatively young, so getting his first 82-game season under his belt along with a deep playoff run should only help him next year.

So, I really don't see any of these guys being moved this off-season, and Rudy may be off the table if they work out a contract extension this summer. But it will be something to keep any eye on as the trade deadline approaches and how the team and each player are performing. The one caveat this offseason is what happens if something big happens, like a KAT-trade. Depending who comes back in return, NAZ and/or NAW may become expendable.

rapsuperstar31 wrote: ↑Thu Jun 06, 2024 10:35 am Speaking of Naz, I saw on realgm there was a discussion of Naz's value around the league in case we cant sign him beyond next season. Most posters said they wouldn't give up too much for a one year rental of Naz, but the best suggestion by a Detroit fan was the 5th pick straight up for Naz. Now it's a a terrible draft, and you have to love someone there to even consider it. If you could get a good player at 5 that is at least on par with Reid it would help with the cap situation on a cheaper cost controlled player.

I don't think Detroit would do that deal, but I certainly would. Adding a defensive center like Donavan Clingan at 5 would go a long way to eliminating the defensive futility we sometimes showed whenever Rudy left the court. Reed Sheppard likely won't be there at 5, but he could be a very good PG of the future. But again, while Naz's stock is currently high, I don't think he brings back a #5.

FNG wrote: ↑Mon Jun 17, 2024 4:06 pm

rapsuperstar31 wrote: ↑Thu Jun 06, 2024 10:35 am Speaking of Naz, I saw on realgm there was a discussion of Naz's value around the league in case we cant sign him beyond next season. Most posters said they wouldn't give up too much for a one year rental of Naz, but the best suggestion by a Detroit fan was the 5th pick straight up for Naz. Now it's a a terrible draft, and you have to love someone there to even consider it. If you could get a good player at 5 that is at least on par with Reid it would help with the cap situation on a cheaper cost controlled player.

I don't think Detroit would do that deal, but I certainly would. Adding a defensive center like Donavan Clingan at 5 would go a long way to eliminating the defensive futility we sometimes showed whenever Rudy left the court. Reed Sheppard likely won't be there at 5, but he could be a very good PG of the future. But again, while Naz's stock is currently high, I don't think he brings back a #5.

I don't think Clingan lasts past 3.

WildWolf2813 wrote: ↑Mon Jun 17, 2024 4:19 pm

FNG wrote: ↑Mon Jun 17, 2024 4:06 pm

rapsuperstar31 wrote: ↑Thu Jun 06, 2024 10:35 am Speaking of Naz, I saw on realgm there was a discussion of Naz's value around the league in case we cant sign him beyond next season. Most posters said they wouldn't give up too much for a one year rental of Naz, but the best suggestion by a Detroit fan was the 5th pick straight up for Naz. Now it's a a terrible draft, and you have to love someone there to even consider it. If you could get a good player at 5 that is at least on par with Reid it would help with the cap situation on a cheaper cost controlled player.

I don't think Detroit would do that deal, but I certainly would. Adding a defensive center like Donavan Clingan at 5 would go a long way to eliminating the defensive futility we sometimes showed whenever Rudy left the court. Reed Sheppard likely won't be there at 5, but he could be a very good PG of the future. But again, while Naz's stock is currently high, I don't think he brings back a #5.

I don't think Clingan lasts past 3.

I wouldn’t do the deal unless I was sure I could get Reed Sheppard. He’s my main man-crush in this year’s draft. I think he’s going to be a star and would be a perfect fit for the Wolves, filling a position of need long term and providing offensive firepower. I’m less sure about Clingan.

Lipoli390 wrote: ↑Mon Jun 17, 2024 9:39 pm

WildWolf2813 wrote: ↑Mon Jun 17, 2024 4:19 pm

FNG wrote: ↑Mon Jun 17, 2024 4:06 pm

I don't think Detroit would do that deal, but I certainly would. Adding a defensive center like Donavan Clingan at 5 would go a long way to eliminating the defensive futility we sometimes showed whenever Rudy left the court. Reed Sheppard likely won't be there at 5, but he could be a very good PG of the future. But again, while Naz's stock is currently high, I don't think he brings back a #5.

I don't think Clingan lasts past 3.

I wouldn’t do the deal unless I was sure I could get Reed Sheppard. He’s my main man-crush in this year’s draft. I think he’s going to be a star and would be a perfect fit for the Wolves, filling a position of need long term and providing offensive firepower. I’m less sure about Clingan.

Sheppard has an elite skill (shooting). As a PG he'd be worth trying though I feel like he'll be better off the ball. I can see him in Charlotte playing off Ball.


Not that I'd move Towns for a high pick in this draft, but I was more partial to Topic or even Devin Carter. Otherwise, I'm not too fond of these prospects high up.

So according to Brian windhorst this is the first season where teams can now immediately negotiate and come to terms with their own free agents the day after the finals ends. We could potentially see at the very least a Monte Morris deal in the next few days.

I've reached a point where TC and Finch have to be honest with themselves. If they don't feel like Minott will ever see the court for any sort of meaningful time, just trade him now for a future 2nd and try again. Clark can officially take that spot on the roster and two new guys will likely have spots (assuming we don't stash)

Gobert /Garza?
Towns/Reid/Miller
McDaniels /#27 or #37/Moore
Edwards/NAW /Clark
Conley /#27 or #37 /Morris OR McLaughlin

1-2 potential spots for vet mins


Now that's a question we should ask ourselves.


Top 5 vet min candidates

Aaron Holiday
Garrison Matthews
Goga Bitadze
Delon Wright
Kendall Brown

Interesting rumor stuff about KAT on a podcast I just listened to. They said a reliable source East Coast GM said he believed there was nearly a 100% chance KAT would be moved this summer, and that the Knicks were the most likely destination. One thing they mentioned that I didn't know about as to why KAT might be interested in going to NY is that his dad (who attends almost every home Wolves game) was just named the head basketball coach at KAT's NJ high school. He may want to move to a town where his dad could continue to watch him on his off nights.

There's no deal they could envision that would involve a straight trade between the Knicks and the Wolves, so they said at least a third team would have to be involved. I'm not a fan of moving KAT (unless of course we got back something that makes us better, and I see that as unlikely), but the news about his dad and the strong prediction from the GM makes me wonder.

The other rumor I heard today involved Buddy Hield. They said the Wolves were one of 3 teams that were very interested in him, and that they thought the price tag in free agency would only be the vet minimum.

While I like the price, I say no. Yes, he is a prolific and often accurate 3-point shooter, but he's too easy to target on defense. I have him in the "unplayable in the playoffs" category. I'm skeptical about this rumor, because he doesn't seem to fit the TC mold.

WildWolf2813 wrote: ↑Wed Jun 19, 2024 12:04 am I've reached a point where TC and Finch have to be honest with themselves. If they don't feel like Minott will ever see the court for any sort of meaningful time, just trade him now for a future 2nd and try again. Clark can officially take that spot on the roster and two new guys will likely have spots (assuming we don't stash)

Gobert /Garza?
Towns/Reid/Miller
McDaniels /#27 or #37/Moore
Edwards/NAW /Clark
Conley /#27 or #37 /Morris OR McLaughlin

1-2 potential spots for vet mins


Now that's a question we should ask ourselves.


Top 5 vet min candidates

Aaron Holiday
Garrison Matthews
Goga Bitadze
Delon Wright
Kendall Brown

I can't see anyone willing to give up any asset to acquire Josh Minott. He really doesn't have any value.