Wolves Next Moves in Post-Randle Era

[WildWolf2813]

A couple of thoughts/predictions:

- Monster -- the guy coming back from Chicago will slide into a portion of NAW's trade exemption, so the 33 mil TPE will remain intact.

- I don't see Rudy going anywhere. We need at least one more year of transition time for Joan, and I don't see TC giving up the team's defensive floor.

- It seems "ball-handling" should still be on TC's list of priorities...

- And a BIG who can shoot ought to be on that priority list as well.

- I doubt we hear anything at the draft tonight about a trade involving the trade exception, as the trade exception will not be created until after July 1st.

- We passed on Rasheer Fleming last year with pick 31. I wonder what happens with pick 33 tonight?!? TC will probably be flexible: if there's someone he likes, he'll take him. If not, he'll trade out of it, probably for future 2nd(s).

- The overpay comments on Ayo are silly. 112 mil only seems big because it's over 5 years. It starts at 19.3 mil. Many of us were fine with 3 years at 52 mil (the amount he could sign before July 1st). Now it is equivalent to 3 years at 62 mil. Oh, and Ayo >> than NAW!

Thanks for that clarification in the chicago contract going into another trade exception. That keeps a dream alive if someone wants to acquire Suggs with that trade exception.

I think a couple things have to happen for Connelly to move Gobert.

1. The value has to be really good and likely forms at least one path to solve one of the roster concerns...probably the guard spot next to Edwards.

2. Acquiring a legit big to play some legit minutes for a year while Beringer gets better and more experienced. If what a couple posters have said about Isaiah Stewart defensively is true that might be the guy I'd want.

Connelly thought there was value in moving down last year. I think people are fairly happy with him ending up with Rocco and a random future 2nd. That pick at #33 likely will have some decent value this draft as well so he might be able to move down get a player he likes and add a future 2nd. He might have a guy he really wants there too though and a guaranteed full NBA salary might be easier to do this year than it was last year.

i think people were frustrated with Tim's inability to attain assets while moving down and Tim didn't like how the 2nd round became an agent game that he clearly didn't understand.

[Q-is-here]

A couple of thoughts/predictions:

- Monster -- the guy coming back from Chicago will slide into a portion of NAW's trade exemption, so the 33 mil TPE will remain intact.

- I don't see Rudy going anywhere. We need at least one more year of transition time for Joan, and I don't see TC giving up the team's defensive floor.

- It seems "ball-handling" should still be on TC's list of priorities...

- And a BIG who can shoot ought to be on that priority list as well.

- I doubt we hear anything at the draft tonight about a trade involving the trade exception, as the trade exception will not be created until after July 1st.

- We passed on Rasheer Fleming last year with pick 31. I wonder what happens with pick 33 tonight?!? TC will probably be flexible: if there's someone he likes, he'll take him. If not, he'll trade out of it, probably for future 2nd(s).

- The overpay comments on Ayo are silly. 112 mil only seems big because it's over 5 years. It starts at 19.3 mil. Many of us were fine with 3 years at 52 mil (the amount he could sign before July 1st). Now it is equivalent to 3 years at 62 mil. Oh, and Ayo >> than NAW!

Great stuff here Tim!

- I'm starting to agree on Rudy....not sure Connelly is ready to move off our defensive security blanket just yet.

- Agree on Connelly still pursuing a ball handler. It's the #1 priority right now. Who that is and at what price is a total unknown, but I'm skeptical he gives up Rudy to go get Suggs or White. I think it ends up being a less costly option.

- I'm fine with Ayo's contract. He was really starting to be a difference maker during the stretch run and early playoffs until that damn calf injury. Even though he's no longer that young anymore, he may even have a bit more upside that we can tap into.

- Does the team double-down on Clark and Shannon as being viable bench pieces in the Day 1 rotation? That would certainly be an exercise in patience, as both had their ups and downs last year, but mostly downs which is why Ayo is on the team right now. Both fill badly needed gaps if they can fully realize their respective strengths/potential.

[Monster]

A couple of thoughts/predictions:

- Monster -- the guy coming back from Chicago will slide into a portion of NAW's trade exemption, so the 33 mil TPE will remain intact.

- I don't see Rudy going anywhere. We need at least one more year of transition time for Joan, and I don't see TC giving up the team's defensive floor.

- It seems "ball-handling" should still be on TC's list of priorities...

- And a BIG who can shoot ought to be on that priority list as well.

- I doubt we hear anything at the draft tonight about a trade involving the trade exception, as the trade exception will not be created until after July 1st.

- We passed on Rasheer Fleming last year with pick 31. I wonder what happens with pick 33 tonight?!? TC will probably be flexible: if there's someone he likes, he'll take him. If not, he'll trade out of it, probably for future 2nd(s).

- The overpay comments on Ayo are silly. 112 mil only seems big because it's over 5 years. It starts at 19.3 mil. Many of us were fine with 3 years at 52 mil (the amount he could sign before July 1st). Now it is equivalent to 3 years at 62 mil. Oh, and Ayo >> than NAW!

Great stuff here Tim!

- I'm starting to agree on Rudy....not sure Connelly is ready to move off our defensive security blanket just yet.

- Agree on Connelly still pursuing a ball handler. It's the #1 priority right now. Who that is and at what price is a total unknown, but I'm skeptical he gives up Rudy to go get Suggs or White. I think it ends up being a less costly option.

- I'm fine with Ayo's contract. He was really starting to be a difference maker during the stretch run and early playoffs until that damn calf injury. Even though he's no longer that young anymore, he may even have a bit more upside that we can tap into.

- Does the team double-down on Clark and Shannon as being viable bench pieces in the Day 1 rotation? That would certainly be an exercise in patience, as both had their ups and downs last year, but mostly downs which is why Ayo is on the team right now. Both fill badly needed gaps if they can fully realize their respective strengths/potential.

Between Edwards, Ayo TSJ, McDaniels (who will play some PF at times) that's a chunk of time that could already be allotted and that's before any minutes to a possible rookie guard or FA and or Bones or whatever.

I'll again make the case for Bones that with Ayo and TSJ guys that are looking to attack the paint a guy like Bones (for not a whole lot of money) as a volume shooter that can still handle the ball some might make sense. They do still need to add depth to that group though. A bigger wing that could shoot the 3 on good or at least reasonable volume would also be nice.

[bleedspeed]

Trade Ant and Gobert. Save money. Reap profits. Blame arena.

[Crazysauce]

Really suprised with so many happy with getting nothing for Randle except cap relief. Not a cap guru but I heard Boston kicking tires on Rudy and also talking about trading Jaylen Brown. Is it possible this opens up some ability to trade Rudy for Brown somehow?

[60WinTim]

It will be interesting to see what comes of the draft tonight. Pick #33 is a player who expects to receive a roster spot with a standard contract. Pick #59 is 2-way territory, or worse. Part of the reason for trading down last year was TC not wanting to use up a roster spot with pick #31. If we keep #33, that is a roster spot.

1. ANT
2. Rudy
3. Jaden
4. NAZ
5. Ayo
6. Donte - a wasted roster spot for the time being...
7. Joan
8. Shannon
9. Phillips - team option decision by 6/29. We'll see if they liked what they saw
10. Rocco - he may not be converted right away, but I'm sure they'll leave a roster spot for him
11. Mike and/or Bones - I am confident Mike will be back. Not so sure on Bones
12. SloMo - I don't think there is anywhere else he would go at this point
13. Pick #33 - if we keep it
14. Ball handler via trade or free agency
15. Big man depth behind NAZ

That's a full roster that does not include Bones. A lot of intrigue left, but I am feeling really good about TC being able to address our remaining needs.

[Monster]

It will be interesting to see what comes of the draft tonight. Pick #33 is a player who expects to receive a roster spot with a standard contract. Pick #59 is 2-way territory, or worse. Part of the reason for trading down last year was TC not wanting to use up a roster spot with pick #31. If we keep #33, that is a roster spot.

1. ANT
2. Rudy
3. Jaden
4. NAZ
5. Ayo
6. Donte - a wasted roster spot for the time being...
7. Joan
8. Shannon
9. Phillips - team option decision by 6/29. We'll see if they liked what they saw
10. Rocco - he may not be converted right away, but I'm sure they'll leave a roster spot for him
11. Mike and/or Bones - I am confident Mike will be back. Not so sure on Bones
12. SloMo - I don't think there is anywhere else he would go at this point
13. Pick #33 - if we keep it
14. Ball handler via trade or free agency
15. Big man depth behind NAZ

That's a full roster that does not include Bones. A lot of intrigue left, but I am feeling really good about TC being able to address our remaining needs.

Thanks Tim for laying out the roster spots.

I keep thinking the Wolves won't fill that 15th roster spot but now they don't have to tip toe the financials as much. They can probably even go crazy and sign a vet min guy and if it doesn't work just waive them no worries. It will be interesting to see what they do with Rocco. Maybe he will play well enough in SL it will be a bit of a no brainer to add him to the NBA roster like it was for Naz when he was an undrafted rookie. I'm looking forward to seeing him play.

[Coolbreeze44]

I haven't been able to read everything today, so I apologize if this has already been discussed. But what about Anthony Davis fitting into our roster now? We could even move Rudy if we had Davis anchoring the back line. I know he's an injury waiting to happen, but who isn't? I could see AD making us a contender again.

[kekgeek]

On Kalshi the wolves had a big spike on landing Jaylen Brown and are the favorites for him to play game 1 with them next year. Take that how you will

[60WinTim]

On Kalshi the wolves had a big spike on landing Jaylen Brown and are the favorites for him to play game 1 with them next year. Take that how you will

I think the Wolves are pivoting from the "2 stars who love ISO ball" to a single go-to player (ANT) surrounded by multiple "plus" players. That would eliminate Jaylen Brown. But that's just my opinion...