2022 Off-Season Around the League

[Lipoli390]

Report: Montrezl Harrell is facing felony drug charges for three pounds of marijuana in vacuum-sealed bags found at a traffic stop in Kentucky, via @rodboone.

That's too bad as it may cost Harrell some $ in free agency, but I don't think he'll do jail time for three pounds of pot. If you remember, DLO's dad was busted in Kentucky too on drug charges.

Drug charges are so dumb in my opinion

DLO himself was busted for trying to take some weed with him on a flight.

[Monster]

I think both teams did well in that deal. Getting another lower first-round pick in this pretty deep draft makes sense. Meanwhile, OKC already had more than enough picks this year and they now have another future pick in the bank to use in any number of ways.

I really like the free agent PF/C options the Wolves have in free agency. I just don't see any reason to give up any assets in a trade for a big this summer. Jalen Smith, Hartenstein, Drummond and Nurkic are all free agent possibilities. Nurkic might require a sign-and-trade, but maybe not.

Here's an idea for a sign-and-trade. Beasley to Portland for Nurkic and pick #36. Then perhaps we could package 36 and 40 to move up from 19 or add a lower 1st in the 20s. A more aggressive offer would be Beasley, Naz, pick 19 and pick 40 for Nurkic and pick 7. Portland gets an elite 3-point shooting SG to pair with their all-star PG Lillard and allstar PF Sabonis for a run next season before finally moving on from Lillard. They'd also strengthen their PF/C bench strength with an offensively talented and still very young guy in Naz Reid. Further, they'd still have the chance to acquire three qualify draft prospects with picks 19, 36 and 40. What would the Wolves get out of this deal? They'd great the type and quality big they need next to KAT in Nurkic and also have the chance to draft my guy, Dyson Daniels. :)

I'm not sure if the Blazers make sense as a landing spot for Beasley. They currently have Simons (seems like basically a certainty they resign him) Jason Hart and Lilliard as guards and they could resign Joe Ingles as they have his bird rights. I'm not sure that a sign an trade is possible before the draft but I'm not gonna look it up now. Lol Plus if the Blazers really think they can get a prized FA they could go nuts and just let guys go and open up cap space. I kinda doubt they go that route but acquiring Beasley for Nurkic would probably end that idea. Also I'm jot sure I would want to sign Nurkic for enough money to do a sign and trade with Beasley. That might be too much money for me for a guy I think will probably miss 20 games next season and may not end up playing much in the playoffs depending on the matchups.

[Lipoli390]

I think both teams did well in that deal. Getting another lower first-round pick in this pretty deep draft makes sense. Meanwhile, OKC already had more than enough picks this year and they now have another future pick in the bank to use in any number of ways.

I really like the free agent PF/C options the Wolves have in free agency. I just don't see any reason to give up any assets in a trade for a big this summer. Jalen Smith, Hartenstein, Drummond and Nurkic are all free agent possibilities. Nurkic might require a sign-and-trade, but maybe not.

Here's an idea for a sign-and-trade. Beasley to Portland for Nurkic and pick #36. Then perhaps we could package 36 and 40 to move up from 19 or add a lower 1st in the 20s. A more aggressive offer would be Beasley, Naz, pick 19 and pick 40 for Nurkic and pick 7. Portland gets an elite 3-point shooting SG to pair with their all-star PG Lillard and allstar PF Sabonis for a run next season before finally moving on from Lillard. They'd also strengthen their PF/C bench strength with an offensively talented and still very young guy in Naz Reid. Further, they'd still have the chance to acquire three qualify draft prospects with picks 19, 36 and 40. What would the Wolves get out of this deal? They'd great the type and quality big they need next to KAT in Nurkic and also have the chance to draft my guy, Dyson Daniels. :)

I'm not sure if the Blazers make sense as a landing spot for Beasley. They currently have Simons (seems like basically a certainty they resign him) Jason Hart and Lilliard as guards and they could resign Joe Ingles as they have his bird rights. I'm not sure that a sign an trade is possible before the draft but I'm not gonna look it up now. Lol Plus if the Blazers really think they can get a prized FA they could go nuts and just let guys go and open up cap space. I kinda doubt they go that route but acquiring Beasley for Nurkic would probably end that idea. Also I'm jot sure I would want to sign Nurkic for enough money to do a sign and trade with Beasley. That might be too much money for me for a guy I think will probably miss 20 games next season and may not end up playing much in the playoffs depending on the matchups.

All good points, Monster. It sure seems like Portland wouldn't have a significant interest in Beasley. As you know, I share your concern about Nurkic's durability. But I also see him as the perfect big to pair with KAT. He provides the size and defense that we need next to KAT. He's also a great defensive rebounder, which this team desperately needs. And you get a bonus with Nurkic in that he's also a good offensive player - a good passer with decent shooting range. I still believe we might be able to sign him outright as a free agent using the full MLE. But hard to know. And then there's the durability question you raised.

How would you feel about signing him as a FA on a 3-year deal starting at just over $10M and escalating each year after that?

[Monster]

I think both teams did well in that deal. Getting another lower first-round pick in this pretty deep draft makes sense. Meanwhile, OKC already had more than enough picks this year and they now have another future pick in the bank to use in any number of ways.

I really like the free agent PF/C options the Wolves have in free agency. I just don't see any reason to give up any assets in a trade for a big this summer. Jalen Smith, Hartenstein, Drummond and Nurkic are all free agent possibilities. Nurkic might require a sign-and-trade, but maybe not.

Here's an idea for a sign-and-trade. Beasley to Portland for Nurkic and pick #36. Then perhaps we could package 36 and 40 to move up from 19 or add a lower 1st in the 20s. A more aggressive offer would be Beasley, Naz, pick 19 and pick 40 for Nurkic and pick 7. Portland gets an elite 3-point shooting SG to pair with their all-star PG Lillard and allstar PF Sabonis for a run next season before finally moving on from Lillard. They'd also strengthen their PF/C bench strength with an offensively talented and still very young guy in Naz Reid. Further, they'd still have the chance to acquire three qualify draft prospects with picks 19, 36 and 40. What would the Wolves get out of this deal? They'd great the type and quality big they need next to KAT in Nurkic and also have the chance to draft my guy, Dyson Daniels. :)

I'm not sure if the Blazers make sense as a landing spot for Beasley. They currently have Simons (seems like basically a certainty they resign him) Jason Hart and Lilliard as guards and they could resign Joe Ingles as they have his bird rights. I'm not sure that a sign an trade is possible before the draft but I'm not gonna look it up now. Lol Plus if the Blazers really think they can get a prized FA they could go nuts and just let guys go and open up cap space. I kinda doubt they go that route but acquiring Beasley for Nurkic would probably end that idea. Also I'm jot sure I would want to sign Nurkic for enough money to do a sign and trade with Beasley. That might be too much money for me for a guy I think will probably miss 20 games next season and may not end up playing much in the playoffs depending on the matchups.

All good points, Monster. It sure seems like Portland wouldn't have a significant interest in Beasley. As you know, I share your concern about Nurkic's durability. But I also see him as the perfect big to pair with KAT. He provides the size and defense that we need next to KAT. He's also a great defensive rebounder, which this team desperately needs. And you get a bonus with Nurkic in that he's also a good offensive player - a good passer with decent shooting range. I still believe we might be able to sign him outright as a free agent using the full MLE. But hard to know. And then there's the durability question you raised.

How would you feel about signing him as a FA on a 3-year deal starting at just over $10M and escalating each year after that?

I'd take a chance at that price even though I would not like the 3rd year. I have no idea why Portland wouldn't beat that offer though. Weird things happen though. Personally Im interested in what Connelly will do and also what type of player is Finch going to want. Im not totally buying this but Brit Robson has the opinion (I don't think he is alone) that Finch wants a big next to Towns that can't do something on offense. Im not saying Finch only wants undersized guys like McDaniels but I think Finch may give up some defense and rebounding for a guy that is more mobile and can do some things on offense. I don't think that guy even has to be a threat from 3 point range. Hartenstein might be a guy that fits this profile. He isn't a big ass center but he isn't small but is pretty mobile and does stiff on offense. He is a guy this board now likes (I was first in on him!!!!! Lol) and Connelly signed him in Denver. I think both of us are more intrigued by Jalen Smith but idk what he will cost and he is even less proven than Hartenstein although I think his upside is higher.

Back to Nurkic he does bring offense in addition to being big and rebounding but I'm not sure he fits into the defensive scheme but they may change or have more than one scheme. Towns has the type of game he could play off a big that loves more in the paint. I like Nurkic a lot but I don't feel god about getting him here and I wonder if signing him is a missed opportunity to sign a younger player that could be more of a long term price than a guy that just helps us win games (when he is healthy) for the next couple seasons. Of course he could be exactly the right guy too.

[Lipoli390]

I think both teams did well in that deal. Getting another lower first-round pick in this pretty deep draft makes sense. Meanwhile, OKC already had more than enough picks this year and they now have another future pick in the bank to use in any number of ways.

I really like the free agent PF/C options the Wolves have in free agency. I just don't see any reason to give up any assets in a trade for a big this summer. Jalen Smith, Hartenstein, Drummond and Nurkic are all free agent possibilities. Nurkic might require a sign-and-trade, but maybe not.

Here's an idea for a sign-and-trade. Beasley to Portland for Nurkic and pick #36. Then perhaps we could package 36 and 40 to move up from 19 or add a lower 1st in the 20s. A more aggressive offer would be Beasley, Naz, pick 19 and pick 40 for Nurkic and pick 7. Portland gets an elite 3-point shooting SG to pair with their all-star PG Lillard and allstar PF Sabonis for a run next season before finally moving on from Lillard. They'd also strengthen their PF/C bench strength with an offensively talented and still very young guy in Naz Reid. Further, they'd still have the chance to acquire three qualify draft prospects with picks 19, 36 and 40. What would the Wolves get out of this deal? They'd great the type and quality big they need next to KAT in Nurkic and also have the chance to draft my guy, Dyson Daniels. :)

I'm not sure if the Blazers make sense as a landing spot for Beasley. They currently have Simons (seems like basically a certainty they resign him) Jason Hart and Lilliard as guards and they could resign Joe Ingles as they have his bird rights. I'm not sure that a sign an trade is possible before the draft but I'm not gonna look it up now. Lol Plus if the Blazers really think they can get a prized FA they could go nuts and just let guys go and open up cap space. I kinda doubt they go that route but acquiring Beasley for Nurkic would probably end that idea. Also I'm jot sure I would want to sign Nurkic for enough money to do a sign and trade with Beasley. That might be too much money for me for a guy I think will probably miss 20 games next season and may not end up playing much in the playoffs depending on the matchups.

All good points, Monster. It sure seems like Portland wouldn't have a significant interest in Beasley. As you know, I share your concern about Nurkic's durability. But I also see him as the perfect big to pair with KAT. He provides the size and defense that we need next to KAT. He's also a great defensive rebounder, which this team desperately needs. And you get a bonus with Nurkic in that he's also a good offensive player - a good passer with decent shooting range. I still believe we might be able to sign him outright as a free agent using the full MLE. But hard to know. And then there's the durability question you raised.

How would you feel about signing him as a FA on a 3-year deal starting at just over $10M and escalating each year after that?

I'd take a chance at that price even though I would not like the 3rd year. I have no idea why Portland wouldn't beat that offer though. Weird things happen though. Personally Im interested in what Connelly will do and also what type of player is Finch going to want. Im not totally buying this but Brit Robson has the opinion (I don't think he is alone) that Finch wants a big next to Towns that can't do something on offense. Im not saying Finch only wants undersized guys like McDaniels but I think Finch may give up some defense and rebounding for a guy that is more mobile and can do some things on offense. I don't think that guy even has to be a threat from 3 point range. Hartenstein might be a guy that fits this profile. He isn't a big ass center but he isn't small but is pretty mobile and does stiff on offense. He is a guy this board now likes (I was first in on him!!!!! Lol) and Connelly signed him in Denver. I think both of us are more intrigued by Jalen Smith but idk what he will cost and he is even less proven than Hartenstein although I think his upside is higher.

Back to Nurkic he does bring offense in addition to being big and rebounding but I'm not sure he fits into the defensive scheme but they may change or have more than one scheme. Towns has the type of game he could play off a big that loves more in the paint. I like Nurkic a lot but I don't feel god about getting him here and I wonder if signing him is a missed opportunity to sign a younger player that could be more of a long term price than a guy that just helps us win games (when he is healthy) for the next couple seasons. Of course he could be exactly the right guy too.

This is a great debate because a good case can be made for all those guys - Nurkic, Hartenstein and Smith. I'm honestly not sure which of those three I'd prefer and it will be interesting to see what Connelly does. Regardless of what Brit has said, I think Connelly made it crystal clear that his priority is adding size and rebounding next to KAT and that KAT can adapt to any type of big he puts next to him. I think Nurkic is by far the best player right now among those three. But Hartenstein both likely have untapped upside and don't have the durability issues that Nurkic has. I think both Hartenstein and Smith will be gettable for less than the full MLE. The question is my mind is whether the full MLE would be enough to sign Nurkic. Yet, even if Portland wants him back, I'm not sure Nurkic wants to be there.

[Monster]

I think both teams did well in that deal. Getting another lower first-round pick in this pretty deep draft makes sense. Meanwhile, OKC already had more than enough picks this year and they now have another future pick in the bank to use in any number of ways.

I really like the free agent PF/C options the Wolves have in free agency. I just don't see any reason to give up any assets in a trade for a big this summer. Jalen Smith, Hartenstein, Drummond and Nurkic are all free agent possibilities. Nurkic might require a sign-and-trade, but maybe not.

Here's an idea for a sign-and-trade. Beasley to Portland for Nurkic and pick #36. Then perhaps we could package 36 and 40 to move up from 19 or add a lower 1st in the 20s. A more aggressive offer would be Beasley, Naz, pick 19 and pick 40 for Nurkic and pick 7. Portland gets an elite 3-point shooting SG to pair with their all-star PG Lillard and allstar PF Sabonis for a run next season before finally moving on from Lillard. They'd also strengthen their PF/C bench strength with an offensively talented and still very young guy in Naz Reid. Further, they'd still have the chance to acquire three qualify draft prospects with picks 19, 36 and 40. What would the Wolves get out of this deal? They'd great the type and quality big they need next to KAT in Nurkic and also have the chance to draft my guy, Dyson Daniels. :)

I'm not sure if the Blazers make sense as a landing spot for Beasley. They currently have Simons (seems like basically a certainty they resign him) Jason Hart and Lilliard as guards and they could resign Joe Ingles as they have his bird rights. I'm not sure that a sign an trade is possible before the draft but I'm not gonna look it up now. Lol Plus if the Blazers really think they can get a prized FA they could go nuts and just let guys go and open up cap space. I kinda doubt they go that route but acquiring Beasley for Nurkic would probably end that idea. Also I'm jot sure I would want to sign Nurkic for enough money to do a sign and trade with Beasley. That might be too much money for me for a guy I think will probably miss 20 games next season and may not end up playing much in the playoffs depending on the matchups.

All good points, Monster. It sure seems like Portland wouldn't have a significant interest in Beasley. As you know, I share your concern about Nurkic's durability. But I also see him as the perfect big to pair with KAT. He provides the size and defense that we need next to KAT. He's also a great defensive rebounder, which this team desperately needs. And you get a bonus with Nurkic in that he's also a good offensive player - a good passer with decent shooting range. I still believe we might be able to sign him outright as a free agent using the full MLE. But hard to know. And then there's the durability question you raised.

How would you feel about signing him as a FA on a 3-year deal starting at just over $10M and escalating each year after that?

I'd take a chance at that price even though I would not like the 3rd year. I have no idea why Portland wouldn't beat that offer though. Weird things happen though. Personally Im interested in what Connelly will do and also what type of player is Finch going to want. Im not totally buying this but Brit Robson has the opinion (I don't think he is alone) that Finch wants a big next to Towns that can't do something on offense. Im not saying Finch only wants undersized guys like McDaniels but I think Finch may give up some defense and rebounding for a guy that is more mobile and can do some things on offense. I don't think that guy even has to be a threat from 3 point range. Hartenstein might be a guy that fits this profile. He isn't a big ass center but he isn't small but is pretty mobile and does stiff on offense. He is a guy this board now likes (I was first in on him!!!!! Lol) and Connelly signed him in Denver. I think both of us are more intrigued by Jalen Smith but idk what he will cost and he is even less proven than Hartenstein although I think his upside is higher.

Back to Nurkic he does bring offense in addition to being big and rebounding but I'm not sure he fits into the defensive scheme but they may change or have more than one scheme. Towns has the type of game he could play off a big that loves more in the paint. I like Nurkic a lot but I don't feel god about getting him here and I wonder if signing him is a missed opportunity to sign a younger player that could be more of a long term price than a guy that just helps us win games (when he is healthy) for the next couple seasons. Of course he could be exactly the right guy too.

This is a great debate because a good case can be made for all those guys - Nurkic, Hartenstein and Smith. I'm honestly not sure which of those three I'd prefer and it will be interesting to see what Connelly does. Regardless of what Brit has said, I think Connelly made it crystal clear that his priority is adding size and rebounding next to KAT and that KAT can adapt to any type of big he puts next to him. I think Nurkic is by far the best player right now among those three. But Hartenstein both likely have untapped upside and don't have the durability issues that Nurkic has. I think both Hartenstein and Smith will be gettable for less than the full MLE. The question is my mind is whether the full MLE would be enough to sign Nurkic. Yet, even if Portland wants him back, I'm not sure Nurkic wants to be there.

There is no doubt Nurkic is the the best player or has proven to be the best player of these 3 options and maybe of the reasonably possible FA options we could sign next to Towns. The question is whether he can stay healthy and then also since he is an older big how long will he be as good as he has been.

Also to be clear I absolutely think Finch wants to get bigger in the frontcourt. My point was he might be willing to go with someone that is or plays a little smaller for a different advantage than a big dude. I think that makes some sense. Heck look at some of the guys that didn't even play much this playoffs that are reasonably good players and aren't big center types some of them are more of a modern type guy. Let's just put it this way I don't think they are going to be looking to find a PJ Tucker guy although if they find a PJ Tucker level player sweet I'll take that. Lol

[worldK]

Any interest in PJ Washington or Obi Toppin? These 2 aren't being shopped by their team but I think they can be had with the right deal. Example Naz and a 2nd for PJ.

To be clear, I think Plan A should be to go after a big center to pair with KAT. But if we can't pull that off, these 2 will be backup plan for me. I think even when they are not the ideal fit, they have some upside that they will be valuable trade assets down the road.

[KG4Ever]

Any interest in PJ Washington or Obi Toppin? These 2 aren't being shopped by their team but I think they can be had with the right deal. Example Naz and a 2nd for PJ.

To be clear, I think Plan A should be to go after a big center to pair with KAT. But if we can't pull that off, these 2 will be backup plan for me. I think even when they are not the ideal fit, they have some upside that they will be valuable trade assets down the road.

I can think of a lot of free agents, I'd rather sign than trade for PJ Washington. He had a nice first year but then seemed to digress a bit. Toppin is a bit more interesting, as he had some good games where he showed some promise when they decided not to play Julian Randle. I would prefer to address needs at center or power forward in free agency. Jalen Smith appeals more to me than Toppin and there is a long list of centers I've listed in another thread that I'd prefer to go after in free agency. I also think the Knicks aren't shopping Toppin and so it would probably take more than I'd be willing to offer them for Toppin.

[Lipoli390]

I think both teams did well in that deal. Getting another lower first-round pick in this pretty deep draft makes sense. Meanwhile, OKC already had more than enough picks this year and they now have another future pick in the bank to use in any number of ways.

I really like the free agent PF/C options the Wolves have in free agency. I just don't see any reason to give up any assets in a trade for a big this summer. Jalen Smith, Hartenstein, Drummond and Nurkic are all free agent possibilities. Nurkic might require a sign-and-trade, but maybe not.

Here's an idea for a sign-and-trade. Beasley to Portland for Nurkic and pick #36. Then perhaps we could package 36 and 40 to move up from 19 or add a lower 1st in the 20s. A more aggressive offer would be Beasley, Naz, pick 19 and pick 40 for Nurkic and pick 7. Portland gets an elite 3-point shooting SG to pair with their all-star PG Lillard and allstar PF Sabonis for a run next season before finally moving on from Lillard. They'd also strengthen their PF/C bench strength with an offensively talented and still very young guy in Naz Reid. Further, they'd still have the chance to acquire three qualify draft prospects with picks 19, 36 and 40. What would the Wolves get out of this deal? They'd great the type and quality big they need next to KAT in Nurkic and also have the chance to draft my guy, Dyson Daniels. :)

I'm not sure if the Blazers make sense as a landing spot for Beasley. They currently have Simons (seems like basically a certainty they resign him) Jason Hart and Lilliard as guards and they could resign Joe Ingles as they have his bird rights. I'm not sure that a sign an trade is possible before the draft but I'm not gonna look it up now. Lol Plus if the Blazers really think they can get a prized FA they could go nuts and just let guys go and open up cap space. I kinda doubt they go that route but acquiring Beasley for Nurkic would probably end that idea. Also I'm jot sure I would want to sign Nurkic for enough money to do a sign and trade with Beasley. That might be too much money for me for a guy I think will probably miss 20 games next season and may not end up playing much in the playoffs depending on the matchups.

All good points, Monster. It sure seems like Portland wouldn't have a significant interest in Beasley. As you know, I share your concern about Nurkic's durability. But I also see him as the perfect big to pair with KAT. He provides the size and defense that we need next to KAT. He's also a great defensive rebounder, which this team desperately needs. And you get a bonus with Nurkic in that he's also a good offensive player - a good passer with decent shooting range. I still believe we might be able to sign him outright as a free agent using the full MLE. But hard to know. And then there's the durability question you raised.

How would you feel about signing him as a FA on a 3-year deal starting at just over $10M and escalating each year after that?

I'd take a chance at that price even though I would not like the 3rd year. I have no idea why Portland wouldn't beat that offer though. Weird things happen though. Personally Im interested in what Connelly will do and also what type of player is Finch going to want. Im not totally buying this but Brit Robson has the opinion (I don't think he is alone) that Finch wants a big next to Towns that can't do something on offense. Im not saying Finch only wants undersized guys like McDaniels but I think Finch may give up some defense and rebounding for a guy that is more mobile and can do some things on offense. I don't think that guy even has to be a threat from 3 point range. Hartenstein might be a guy that fits this profile. He isn't a big ass center but he isn't small but is pretty mobile and does stiff on offense. He is a guy this board now likes (I was first in on him!!!!! Lol) and Connelly signed him in Denver. I think both of us are more intrigued by Jalen Smith but idk what he will cost and he is even less proven than Hartenstein although I think his upside is higher.

Back to Nurkic he does bring offense in addition to being big and rebounding but I'm not sure he fits into the defensive scheme but they may change or have more than one scheme. Towns has the type of game he could play off a big that loves more in the paint. I like Nurkic a lot but I don't feel god about getting him here and I wonder if signing him is a missed opportunity to sign a younger player that could be more of a long term price than a guy that just helps us win games (when he is healthy) for the next couple seasons. Of course he could be exactly the right guy too.

This is a great debate because a good case can be made for all those guys - Nurkic, Hartenstein and Smith. I'm honestly not sure which of those three I'd prefer and it will be interesting to see what Connelly does. Regardless of what Brit has said, I think Connelly made it crystal clear that his priority is adding size and rebounding next to KAT and that KAT can adapt to any type of big he puts next to him. I think Nurkic is by far the best player right now among those three. But Hartenstein both likely have untapped upside and don't have the durability issues that Nurkic has. I think both Hartenstein and Smith will be gettable for less than the full MLE. The question is my mind is whether the full MLE would be enough to sign Nurkic. Yet, even if Portland wants him back, I'm not sure Nurkic wants to be there.

There is no doubt Nurkic is the the best player or has proven to be the best player of these 3 options and maybe of the reasonably possible FA options we could sign next to Towns. The question is whether he can stay healthy and then also since he is an older big how long will he be as good as he has been.

Also to be clear I absolutely think Finch wants to get bigger in the frontcourt. My point was he might be willing to go with someone that is or plays a little smaller for a different advantage than a big dude. I think that makes some sense. Heck look at some of the guys that didn't even play much this playoffs that are reasonably good players and aren't big center types some of them are more of a modern type guy. Let's just put it this way I don't think they are going to be looking to find a PJ Tucker guy although if they find a PJ Tucker level player sweet I'll take that. Lol

I understood your point about Finch being willing to go with someone a little smaller and I agree. That's why I consider Jalen Smith a viable candidate. He's not as big as Nurkic or Hartenstein, but he still has nice length and can provide some other things as a somewhat smaller guy.

[Lipoli390]

Any interest in PJ Washington or Obi Toppin? These 2 aren't being shopped by their team but I think they can be had with the right deal. Example Naz and a 2nd for PJ.

To be clear, I think Plan A should be to go after a big center to pair with KAT. But if we can't pull that off, these 2 will be backup plan for me. I think even when they are not the ideal fit, they have some upside that they will be valuable trade assets down the road.

Interesting thought, World. I think you've identified two bigs the Wolves could probably get without giving up a lot in return. You can make a good argument for acquiring either one depending on what the Wolves would have to give up.

Personally, I'm not a big PJ Washington fan. He's somewhat small for his position and he's not a particularly good rebounder - the two things we need most in a big to replace Vando as a starter next to KAT. On the other hand, PJ can shoot. He's a pretty good all-around player and in that sense he's better than Vando. But our rebounding would take a huge step backwards going from Vando to Washington. So I don't know.

Like KG, I'm more intrigued by Toppin because of what I think is still a lot of untapped upside. He's more explosive and dynamic athletically than Washington. But his length is similar to Washington's and he's a similarly mediocre rebounder.

So I'd still like to see the Wolves sign one of the many good free-agent bigs - Nurkic, Hartenstein, Smith, Drummond, Bamba, etc. Getting Bamba (or perhaps Nurkic) might require a sign-and-trade.