Minnesota Sports Forum

This is a really good and relevant thread. Please do not hijack for some off-topic argument that goes back and forth accomplishing nothing but irritating everyone who wants to stick to the main topic.

Here are my current thoughts on our forward options and the power forward position specifically.

As we all know, the Wolves have three open roster spots after re-signing Clark, assuming we don’t make any further trades. I would expect the Wolves to fill two of those three slots with front court players. I’m also expecting the Wolves to keep Rocco in his two-way deal and use one of the other two-way contracts on Kaufman-Renn.

We also know the Wolves have three potentially realistic paths for filling those three remaining slots: (1) the $2.4 million vet minimum exception; (2) the $6 million taxpayer MLE; and (3) trading one or some combination of Josh Green, Mo Gueye, Isaiah Evans, Kaufman-Renn and possibly TSJ and/or Donte - effectively folding this trade in with the still unfinalized and ever-expanding Julius Randle deal. The Wolves can use all or some of these paths since they’re not mutually exclusive. Our main constraint in all of this is the fact that we’re over the 1st apron threshold only around $10 million under the 2nd apron. Because we’re over the 1st apron any trade cannot bring in more salary than we send out. Because we’re so close to the 2nd apron using the full $6 taxpayer MLE on one free agent would likely require us to fill the final two roster spots with rookie minimum deals.

I suspect the Wolves will acquire a PF through a Josh Green trade package. I have the feeling that is exactly what the Wolves front office intended to do when they included Josh Green in the Melo deal. I don’t think the Wolves ever intended to keep Green and already had some potential trades in mind to acquire a rotation PF.

My priority would be getting a starting caliber PF who can defend, rebound and maybe shoot at least a little, but getting a player with all of those attributes will be difficult. I’d like to see who we can get in a trade for Josh but I would draw a hard line in the sand on including TSJ for three reasons. First, with our draft cupboards now almost entirely empty, we need to hold onto all of our younger talent that has shown promise. Second, TSJ brings physicality and toughness that this team desperately needs. Third, I think he’s going to be very good. I’d also be very reluctant to trade Isaiah Evans because of our need for young promising players and the fact that we need shooting, which Evans provides. I think Evans at #33 was a bit of a steal, so giving him up in a deal for a big should be a last resort in my view. Therefore, in my paradigm, that leaves us with Josh Green, Mo Gueye one future 2nd round pick, cash and possibly Donte to include in a trade. I don’t want to give up Donte and I’m not sure he has any value given his injury, but the Wolves are in win-now mode and can’t afford to keep $12M on the books with no on-court value for the season if trading him could shore up the Wolves front court with a high-caliber PF.

The good news is that Josh Green is on a $14.8 million expiring contract, which should have appeal to some teams in the League looking to reduce their longer-term financial constraints. He’s also a good young player so he’s not just an expiring contract. Gueye has immediate modest cap value as a waivable contract. I also think there’s a chance we can get the PF we need using the $6 million MLE.

So here’s the approach or plan that has unfolded in my head:

TRADE TARGETS

Here are my possibly realistic trade targets in order of preference:

1. Dean Wade (sign-and-trade with Cleveland). He’s an unrestricted free agent right now and the consensus is that he’ll command at least $10M per year, which the Wolves cannot offer. But I would offer Green and our 2030 2nd round pick for Wade in a sign-and-trade with the Wolves offering Wade a 4-year $50 million deal. That would be above market for Wade, which would give his agent incentive to lean on Cleveland to make this trade as a better deal for Wade than he’d get as a free agent. It’s obvious how the Wolves would benefit from this trade. Wade seems like a near perfect fit for us as a starting PF or as PF off the bench if we choose to go smaller. Why would Cleveland make this deal? I’m not sure. It starts with the Cavs apparently looking to shed some payroll even though they’re still in a win-now mode. I could see Green having appeal to the Cavs as a win-now rotational player value without long-term financial implications. He would provide them with better roster balance given how front-court heavy they are right now. There might also be a 3-team option with Green and our 2nd round pick being re-routed to a team with cap room that could absorb his salary.

2. Dorian Finley-Smith (Houston) — I’d offer Josh straight up for him if unable to get Wade. Dorian’s $13.3M salary works in a straight swap. I like Dorian’s versatility, defense and toughness although he doesn’t give the rebounding I’d like to get.

3. Nikola Jovic (Miami) - We could offer Josh and Mo to match Jovic’s $16.2 million. I’m not thrilled with this idea because Jovic would not provide us with things we need most from adding a front court player - rebounding, defense and toughness. He can certainly stretch the floor if his shooting returns to its pre-2025-26 level. I’d prefer to rely on one of the realistic free agent MLE options I think we have.

4. Maxi Kleber (Dallas) — I’d swap Josh straight up for him. Maxi’s salary next year is $11.0 million. I’m not thrilled with the idea of trading for Maxi, but he’s an option I’d consider.

MLE FREE AGENT TARGETS

1. Precious Achiuwa (Spurs) — I want defense and rebounding from a PF we acquire and this guy is the best I can see who MIGHT be gettable with the $6M MLE.

2. Guerschon Yabusele (Bulls) - Not as good a rebounder as Precious, but he’s big and strong. I think he might be gettable at the $6M MLE

VET MINIMUM TARGETS

If we can trade for a forward, then I’d try to sign two of the following. But if we’re forced to use the MLE, we’d at most be able to sign only one.

1. Jeremy Sochan — Love his energy, toughness, defense and rebounding. Can’t shoot at all but maybe there’s a fix for that since he’s still really young. We have our MJ and Pippin in Ant and Melo. Sochan could be our Rodman. Every championship team needs a Rodman type.

2. Larry Nance Jr. - Sold, smart vet who can play both sides of the ball. Not the caliber rebounder or size I’d like, but I like what he’d bring at a bargain vet minimum price.

3. Kevin Love — Bring him back for one more run at the title - this time with his first NBA team. He’s not the rebounder or shooter he once was, but he can still do both.

4. Marvin Bagley III — I don’t like him, but if we’re desperate then we’d have to consider him.

5. Jonathan Isaac — I’d definitely sign him if we can also acquire a PF we can count on via trade or the MLE.

rapsuperstar31 wrote: ↑Sun Jun 28, 2026 1:08 pm Shams Charania
@ShamsCharania
BREAKING: The Charlotte Hornets are trading Miles Bridges, a 2029 first-round pick and a 2027 second-round pick to the Phoenix Suns for Grayson Allen, Royce O'Neale and a 2033 first-round pick, sources tell ESPN.

Should be good for Naz starting. I wonder if this gets added onto our trade making it bigger trade, and if Royce could get routed here.

Interesting. I’ve been wondering why the Melo deal included Green instead of Grant Williams. One explanation is that the Wolves preferred an other wing over a PF or preferred Josh over Grant as a player for the Wolves next season. I doubt either was the case. In fact, I have to believe TC asked Charlotte to include Grant but was rejected and had to settle for Green. So why Green? TC must have seen Green as a more moveable alternative than any other options as part of the package. And the fact that the Wolves re-signed Clark confirms the likelihood that the Wolves intend (and always intended) to move Green at some point this summer. Meanwhile, Charlotte must be viewing Grant Williams as a nice defensive backup to their new starting PF, Naz Reid.

I would be very happy if O’Neal ended up getting routed to us with Green getting moved elsewhere. That would make a lot of sense and it would help shore up our front line with a guy in Royce who can both defend, rebound and spread the floor at the PF position.

60WinTim wrote: ↑Sun Jun 28, 2026 1:09 pm There goes the Grayson Allen/Royce O'Neal dream...

Hornets trade Miles Bridges for the Suns' tandem.

On another, looking for Wolves Clues: The Wolves extended qualifying offers for both Enrique Freeman (TW) and Jaylen Clark. Clark has already agreed to a contract extension.

But Freeman hangs onto that 3rd two-spot. What does this mean for Trey Kaufmann-Renn? Or does it mean Rocco will be converted to a standard contract? Of course, they could simply have Freeman and TKR battle it out in Summer League to see who will win that 3rd two-way spot. Or is Zyon in danger because of the glut of guards now on the roster?!?

I still can’t understand the persistent attachment of our front office to Freeman. I get re-signing Clarke for his defense as a known quantity who the team will need for depth once the other shoe drops with a Josh Green trade. But I have to believe there are better two-way options than Freeman. I’d be happy to see Rocco put on our regular roster but I’d still keep him on his two-way to economize.

Lipoli390 wrote: ↑Sun Jun 28, 2026 1:54 pm

rapsuperstar31 wrote: ↑Sun Jun 28, 2026 1:08 pm Shams Charania
@ShamsCharania
BREAKING: The Charlotte Hornets are trading Miles Bridges, a 2029 first-round pick and a 2027 second-round pick to the Phoenix Suns for Grayson Allen, Royce O'Neale and a 2033 first-round pick, sources tell ESPN.

Should be good for Naz starting. I wonder if this gets added onto our trade making it bigger trade, and if Royce could get routed here.

Interesting. I’ve been wondering why the Melo deal included Green instead of Grant Williams. One explanation is that the Wolves preferred an other wing over a PF or preferred Josh over Grant as a player for the Wolves next season. I doubt either was the case. In fact, I have to believe TC asked Charlotte to include Grant but was rejected and had to settle for Green. So why Green? TC must have seen Green as a more moveable alternative than any other options as part of the package. And the fact that the Wolves re-signed Clark confirms the likelihood that the Wolves intend (and always intended) to move Green at some point this summer. Meanwhile, Charlotte must be viewing Grant Williams as a nice defensive backup to their new starting PF, Naz Reid.

I would be very happy if O’Neal ended up getting routed to us with Green getting moved elsewhere. That would make a lot of sense and it would help shore up our front line with a guy in Royce who can both defend, rebound and spread the floor at the PF position.

If you are worried about McDaniels size or whatever at PF don't look at O'Neal's measurables or rebounding numbers. I think he would be a nice enough add to the group we have here especially with his ability to shoot the 3 but the guy isn't any bigger than some of our wings.

Lipoli390 wrote: ↑Sun Jun 28, 2026 2:06 pm

60WinTim wrote: ↑Sun Jun 28, 2026 1:09 pm There goes the Grayson Allen/Royce O'Neal dream...

Hornets trade Miles Bridges for the Suns' tandem.

On another, looking for Wolves Clues: The Wolves extended qualifying offers for both Enrique Freeman (TW) and Jaylen Clark. Clark has already agreed to a contract extension.

But Freeman hangs onto that 3rd two-spot. What does this mean for Trey Kaufmann-Renn? Or does it mean Rocco will be converted to a standard contract? Of course, they could simply have Freeman and TKR battle it out in Summer League to see who will win that 3rd two-way spot. Or is Zyon in danger because of the glut of guards now on the roster?!?

I still can’t understand the persistent attachment of our front office to Freeman. I get re-signing Clarke for his defense as a known quantity who the team will need for depth once the other shoe drops with a Josh Green trade. But I have to believe there are better two-way options than Freeman. I’d be happy to see Rocco put on our regular roster but I’d still keep him on his two-way to economize.

I don’t either but at least he’s a big body and 25 years old. I haven’t really formed an opinion or seen him play…but to the staff he is a known quantity.

Lipoli390 wrote: ↑Sun Jun 28, 2026 2:06 pm

60WinTim wrote: ↑Sun Jun 28, 2026 1:09 pm There goes the Grayson Allen/Royce O'Neal dream...

Hornets trade Miles Bridges for the Suns' tandem.

On another, looking for Wolves Clues: The Wolves extended qualifying offers for both Enrique Freeman (TW) and Jaylen Clark. Clark has already agreed to a contract extension.

But Freeman hangs onto that 3rd two-spot. What does this mean for Trey Kaufmann-Renn? Or does it mean Rocco will be converted to a standard contract? Of course, they could simply have Freeman and TKR battle it out in Summer League to see who will win that 3rd two-way spot. Or is Zyon in danger because of the glut of guards now on the roster?!?

I still can’t understand the persistent attachment of our front office to Freeman. I get re-signing Clarke for his defense as a known quantity who the team will need for depth once the other shoe drops with a Josh Green trade. But I have to believe there are better two-way options than Freeman. I’d be happy to see Rocco put on our regular roster but I’d still keep him on his two-way to economize.

They offered Freeman a 2-way deal. It's no big thing he could accept it and they could cut him 3 seconds later. Meanwhile the Wolves have zero PFs on the roster other than McDaniels and he probably has the most typical PF profile of anyone on the roster.

Meanwhile TKR can't sign with any other team until we let him go so they can wait and see what they have in Summer league etc. I think there is a high likelihood that neither guy ends up as 2-way deal this year. They have no reason to just give him a 2 way deal unless they are super enamoured with him especially as end of the 2nd round pick.

I'll add that Freeman did only play in junk time this year but the stats per 36 do pop in some ways. Almost 2 steals and 3 blocks which is kinda insane. His Iowa stats were not wildly impressive but my take about him from what I saw before this year in Iowa is he is more of a smart solid basketball player than one that's gonna wow anyone. He isn't a 3 point sniper but he has shot it decently in 2 years in the G-league and this year shot a grand total of 4 from 8 from 3 with the NBA team. Again I'd bet he won't be around but I also wouldn't had having to see him here in Vegas.

I wonder if Trey Lyles is interested in an nba comeback. He has a jack of all trades game with good size.

Monster wrote: ↑Sun Jun 28, 2026 2:57 pm

Lipoli390 wrote: ↑Sun Jun 28, 2026 1:54 pm

rapsuperstar31 wrote: ↑Sun Jun 28, 2026 1:08 pm Shams Charania
@ShamsCharania
BREAKING: The Charlotte Hornets are trading Miles Bridges, a 2029 first-round pick and a 2027 second-round pick to the Phoenix Suns for Grayson Allen, Royce O'Neale and a 2033 first-round pick, sources tell ESPN.

Should be good for Naz starting. I wonder if this gets added onto our trade making it bigger trade, and if Royce could get routed here.

Interesting. I’ve been wondering why the Melo deal included Green instead of Grant Williams. One explanation is that the Wolves preferred an other wing over a PF or preferred Josh over Grant as a player for the Wolves next season. I doubt either was the case. In fact, I have to believe TC asked Charlotte to include Grant but was rejected and had to settle for Green. So why Green? TC must have seen Green as a more moveable alternative than any other options as part of the package. And the fact that the Wolves re-signed Clark confirms the likelihood that the Wolves intend (and always intended) to move Green at some point this summer. Meanwhile, Charlotte must be viewing Grant Williams as a nice defensive backup to their new starting PF, Naz Reid.

I would be very happy if O’Neal ended up getting routed to us with Green getting moved elsewhere. That would make a lot of sense and it would help shore up our front line with a guy in Royce who can both defend, rebound and spread the floor at the PF position.

If you are worried about McDaniels size or whatever at PF don't look at O'Neal's measurables or rebounding numbers. I think he would be a nice enough add to the group we have here especially with his ability to shoot the 3 but the guy isn't any bigger than some of our wings.

Agree, Monster. O’Neal would give us much-needed front line depth but he’s not the sort of size, toughness and rebounding that I think we need.

I sense the Wolves are targeting more of an offensive, floor-spreading PF as their primary remaining acquisition via a Josh Green trade. They might then look to the vet minimum for a rebounder with size. That’s not what I would do but that’s what I’m expecting. If they get Dean Wade then the Wolves front office and I will both be happy. If it’s Jovic, the front office will be happy but I won’t. If it’s PJ Washington but we give up TSJ, the front office will probably have mixed feelings but obviously be satisfied or they wouldn’t have made the deal. Of course, I would not be happy with that deal.

If they trade for Jovic, I’d feel better if we also signed Sochan and Drummond as vet minimum free agents. I’m beginning to think that’s the best move we can make if we can’t work out a sign-and-trade for Jovic. But as we all know, whatever happens will probably be something none of us saw coming. .

They should sign Sochan so we have an active player with a Ring for everyone to be motivated to shut up about their ring.