Minnesota Sports Forum

Jake Fischer:

Minnesota is expected to have interest in Tyus Jones, but Washington has been the one rival team most often connected with the Grizzlies' point guard. Jones is said to be seeking a multi-year deal above the non-taxpayer mid-level exception of $10.1 million for the '22-23 season.

That last sentence gives me major pause on Tyus Jones. However, I'm now imagining a scenario where the Timberwolves sign Jones without moving D'Angelo Russell. We've discussed one or the other, but the reality is that it could actually be both. In short, I think their interest in Jones is probably real, and I also think moving Russell would be a mistake -- one that probably winds up with Minnesota taking back less value than what he's actually worth.

Minnesota was short on ball-handlers last season so adding another one makes sense in some capacity. Jones would also provide insurance in the likely event that Russell and/or Patrick Beverley get injured next season, as well insurance for when one or both of them walked in free agency next summer.

Perhaps Jones or Beverley would come off the bench, essentially replacing each other on the floor in the same role. I could see that being beneficial. Jordan McLaughlin would act as the fourth point guard on the roster capable of stepping in on a moment's notice. Suddenly, that position group would become a very real strength.

Camden wrote:

Jake Fischer:

Minnesota is expected to have interest in Tyus Jones, but Washington has been the one rival team most often connected with the Grizzlies' point guard. Jones is said to be seeking a multi-year deal above the non-taxpayer mid-level exception of $10.1 million for the '22-23 season.

That last sentence gives me major pause on Tyus Jones. However, I'm now imagining a scenario where the Timberwolves sign Jones without moving D'Angelo Russell. We've discussed one or the other, but the reality is that it could actually be both. In short, I think their interest in Jones is probably real, and I also think moving Russell would be a mistake -- one that probably winds up with Minnesota taking back less value than what he's actually worth.

Minnesota was short on ball-handlers last season so adding another one makes sense in some capacity. Jones would also provide insurance in the likely event that Russell and/or Patrick Beverley get injured next season, as well insurance for when one or both of them walked in free agency next summer.

Perhaps Jones or Beverley would come off the bench, essentially replacing each other on the floor in the same role. I could see that being beneficial. Jordan McLaughlin would act as the fourth point guard on the roster capable of stepping in on a moment's notice. Suddenly, that position group would become a very real strength.

I don't see the Wolves signing Tyus Jones for the amount he's seeking unless they also trade DLO. Finch has already signaled the team's intent to make Nowell a more integral part of of the rotation. We'll have five ball-handlers with DLO, Beverley, JMac, Nowell and Edwards. Meanwhile, we're lacking size and rebounding. If the Wolves are going to spend $10M+ a year on a free agent, it won't be on another PG unless the Wolves move DLO.

There are a lot of good notes in this piece from Jake Fischer. I highly recommend browsing through it.

Link: https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10040325-latest-nba-free-agency-intel-buzz-on-dame-lillard-jalen-brunson-malik-monk-more

Denver trades Wil Barton and Monte Morris to Washington for KCP and Ish Smith.

There must be a trade exception or another player from Washington to make this work salary wise. Can only been seen as a salary cap move by the Nuggets as in my opinion Barton/Morris > KCP/Smith.

KiwiMatt wrote:Denver trades Wil Barton and Monte Morris to Washington for KCP and Ish Smith.

There must be a trade exception or another player from Washington to make this work salary wise. Can only been seen as a salary cap move by the Nuggets as in my opinion Barton/Morris > KCP/Smith.

Yes. This seems like a very one-sided deal in favor of Washington based solely on the players involved. Must be more to it than just that.

Bradley Beal has declined his $36.4 million player option to become a free agent.

KiwiMatt wrote:Bradley Beal has declined his $36.4 million player option to become a free agent.

Beal is eligible to sign a 5-year max to return to Wizards - or sign elsewhere on a 4-year deal.

lipoli390 wrote:

KiwiMatt wrote:Denver trades Wil Barton and Monte Morris to Washington for KCP and Ish Smith.

There must be a trade exception or another player from Washington to make this work salary wise. Can only been seen as a salary cap move by the Nuggets as in my opinion Barton/Morris > KCP/Smith.

Yes. This seems like a very one-sided deal in favor of Washington based solely on the players involved. Must be more to it than just that.

Denver is being cautious of the luxury tax threshold. That's a big part of that deal.

Camden wrote:

lipoli390 wrote:

KiwiMatt wrote:Denver trades Wil Barton and Monte Morris to Washington for KCP and Ish Smith.

There must be a trade exception or another player from Washington to make this work salary wise. Can only been seen as a salary cap move by the Nuggets as in my opinion Barton/Morris > KCP/Smith.

Yes. This seems like a very one-sided deal in favor of Washington based solely on the players involved. Must be more to it than just that.

Denver is being cautious of the luxury tax threshold. That's a big part of that deal.

Connelly must have seen the writing on the wall. These cheap owners are incredible. The valuation of their teams have increased by at least 4x. Nuts.

Murray traded to Hawks.