Minnesota Sports Forum

Coolbreeze44 wrote: ↑Fri Mar 20, 2026 4:32 pm

AussieWolf3 wrote: ↑Fri Mar 20, 2026 2:35 pm It would a phenomenally shitty thing to do this state and this fan base to sell the most exciting athlete in this town since who? probably KG
Selling a known ascending commodity for high end lottery tickets would be foolish. Team building, financially, and company goodwill from all stand points it would be foolish.
Ant probably never wins a championship in Minnesota, that's just the statistical likelihood, however the likelihood of that happening at all is still higher now than it has been for a long long time.

It's just so galaxy brained shit to think trading Ant is the most prudent thing to do, even if the future bears out in your favor it would be by sheer luck

Let me throw out a hypothetical to you. What if we could land Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith, Tari Eason, and a couple #1 picks from Houston for Ant? Would that interest you at all? Do you think Ant could bring that kind of return? If you don't, then you think less of Ant than I do.

FNG wrote: ↑Sat Mar 21, 2026 5:30 pm

Coolbreeze44 wrote: ↑Fri Mar 20, 2026 4:32 pm

AussieWolf3 wrote: ↑Fri Mar 20, 2026 2:35 pm It would a phenomenally shitty thing to do this state and this fan base to sell the most exciting athlete in this town since who? probably KG
Selling a known ascending commodity for high end lottery tickets would be foolish. Team building, financially, and company goodwill from all stand points it would be foolish.
Ant probably never wins a championship in Minnesota, that's just the statistical likelihood, however the likelihood of that happening at all is still higher now than it has been for a long long time.

It's just so galaxy brained shit to think trading Ant is the most prudent thing to do, even if the future bears out in your favor it would be by sheer luck

Let me throw out a hypothetical to you. What if we could land Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith, Tari Eason, and a couple #1 picks from Houston for Ant? Would that interest you at all? Do you think Ant could bring that kind of return? If you don't, then you think less of Ant than I do.

I don't know if Houston would do a deal like that, but I know I would...and I hope TC is open to any idea that might bring a championship to Minnesota. I didn't see the Portland game, and of course we would have had a better chance of winning if our top scorer was playing. But I also think last night's available roster plus Thompson, Smith and Eason would have demolished Portland. I agree with Cool's take that Ant's perceived value around the NBA is higher than his actual value to the Wolves. And his perceived value may never be higher after winning the MVP in the all star game (the perfect venue for Ant, because it's about shooting and not defense and playmaking). Local fans would be upset if we traded Ant, even for a package like the one Cool suggests. But fans are always going to be happy if the team is winning. And I think we could be dominant adding the kind of young talent Ant would bring back to an exciting group of young guys who love to play fast and be aggressive on defense. I don't think it's going to happen...the Dallas trade of Luka for an injured AD is going to dampen chances of trading a star. But I at least hope TC is open to any deal that could improve the fit of this roster and potentially improve us.

rapsuperstar31 wrote: ↑Sat Mar 21, 2026 6:25 pm

FNG wrote: ↑Sat Mar 21, 2026 5:30 pm

Coolbreeze44 wrote: ↑Fri Mar 20, 2026 4:32 pm

Let me throw out a hypothetical to you. What if we could land Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith, Tari Eason, and a couple #1 picks from Houston for Ant? Would that interest you at all? Do you think Ant could bring that kind of return? If you don't, then you think less of Ant than I do.

I don't know if Houston would do a deal like that, but I know I would...and I hope TC is open to any idea that might bring a championship to Minnesota. I didn't see the Portland game, and of course we would have had a better chance of winning if our top scorer was playing. But I also think last night's available roster plus Thompson, Smith and Eason would have demolished Portland. I agree with Cool's take that Ant's perceived value around the NBA is higher than his actual value to the Wolves. And his perceived value may never be higher after winning the MVP in the all star game (the perfect venue for Ant, because it's about shooting and not defense and playmaking). Local fans would be upset if we traded Ant, even for a package like the one Cool suggests. But fans are always going to be happy if the team is winning. And I think we could be dominant adding the kind of young talent Ant would bring back to an exciting group of young guys who love to play fast and be aggressive on defense. I don't think it's going to happen...the Dallas trade of Luka for an injured AD is going to dampen chances of trading a star. But I at least hope TC is open to any deal that could improve the fit of this roster and potentially improve us.

Durant hates all of those players so I'm sure he would love to ship them out, he especially hates Jabari. The biggest problem with that premise if you your goal in doing this is to win a championship, is you need a star to win a championship not a team of role players, and we wouldn't have a star making a trade like this. You would cap yourself as a perennial first or second round exit every season without that star. Teams would hate to play you for your defense, but you aren't going to win anything. You would clearly need to trade Rudy, because teams don't bother defending Thompson as is. I think the whole thought process of trading Ant in any trade for any combination of players or picks, will not result in a championship in the timeline of any of the players currently on the team. Your best bet is if whoever gets the first pick in this upcoming draft is willing to move it since AJ Dybantsa is suppose to incredible. But even that you're banking on an unknown that may not turn out as expected. Same thing if San Antonio wanted to move Dylan Harper, Castle, and a dozen first round picks. I just don't see any path to a championship with the current roster and those additions. Maybe they will play a more appealing game to some of you, but the results will be an early exit every season.

FNG wrote: ↑Sun Mar 22, 2026 7:37 am

rapsuperstar31 wrote: ↑Sat Mar 21, 2026 6:25 pm

FNG wrote: ↑Sat Mar 21, 2026 5:30 pm

I don't know if Houston would do a deal like that, but I know I would...and I hope TC is open to any idea that might bring a championship to Minnesota. I didn't see the Portland game, and of course we would have had a better chance of winning if our top scorer was playing. But I also think last night's available roster plus Thompson, Smith and Eason would have demolished Portland. I agree with Cool's take that Ant's perceived value around the NBA is higher than his actual value to the Wolves. And his perceived value may never be higher after winning the MVP in the all star game (the perfect venue for Ant, because it's about shooting and not defense and playmaking). Local fans would be upset if we traded Ant, even for a package like the one Cool suggests. But fans are always going to be happy if the team is winning. And I think we could be dominant adding the kind of young talent Ant would bring back to an exciting group of young guys who love to play fast and be aggressive on defense. I don't think it's going to happen...the Dallas trade of Luka for an injured AD is going to dampen chances of trading a star. But I at least hope TC is open to any deal that could improve the fit of this roster and potentially improve us.

Durant hates all of those players so I'm sure he would love to ship them out, he especially hates Jabari. The biggest problem with that premise if you your goal in doing this is to win a championship, is you need a star to win a championship not a team of role players, and we wouldn't have a star making a trade like this. You would cap yourself as a perennial first or second round exit every season without that star. Teams would hate to play you for your defense, but you aren't going to win anything. You would clearly need to trade Rudy, because teams don't bother defending Thompson as is. I think the whole thought process of trading Ant in any trade for any combination of players or picks, will not result in a championship in the timeline of any of the players currently on the team. Your best bet is if whoever gets the first pick in this upcoming draft is willing to move it since AJ Dybantsa is suppose to incredible. But even that you're banking on an unknown that may not turn out as expected. Same thing if San Antonio wanted to move Dylan Harper, Castle, and a dozen first round picks. I just don't see any path to a championship with the current roster and those additions. Maybe they will play a more appealing game to some of you, but the results will be an early exit every season.

Yeah, some good points Rap...I agree that you need a star to win a championship, and we would not have one with a trade like that. If you look at the list of recent champions, you see names like SGA, Jokic, Tatum/Brown, LeBron, Steph, Durant, Kawhi, etc...all veritable stars that nobody would say "he's not the kind of guy who can lead a team to a championship". Guys who not only put up great numbers themselves, but also either play great defense, or make their teammates much better...or both. I think the issue with the Wolves is that a lot of smart basketball minds here don't have Ant in the same category as the guys above, and question whether he will ever be at that level. I think he will always be an elite scorer, but I question whether he has the basketball IQ to create easy scoring opportunities for his teammates, or the drive to be a consistent defensive force. That's why I hope a creative guy like TC is always looking for ways to make deals that can win us a championship, and I think Ant is our best chance to bring back a player of the caliber of the guys above. What do I think will happen? I think Ant will be a Timberwolf for as long as he wants to be, and we will be entertained by an exciting scorer, but also not be good enough to get to the next level. All things considered, that's not a bad place for a franchise to be in...a lot of fans would love it if their team was a consistent playoff team like ours has been during this Ant era. But it's okay to want more too...

Q-is-here wrote: ↑Sun Mar 22, 2026 2:01 pm

FNG wrote: ↑Sun Mar 22, 2026 7:37 am

rapsuperstar31 wrote: ↑Sat Mar 21, 2026 6:25 pm

Durant hates all of those players so I'm sure he would love to ship them out, he especially hates Jabari. The biggest problem with that premise if you your goal in doing this is to win a championship, is you need a star to win a championship not a team of role players, and we wouldn't have a star making a trade like this. You would cap yourself as a perennial first or second round exit every season without that star. Teams would hate to play you for your defense, but you aren't going to win anything. You would clearly need to trade Rudy, because teams don't bother defending Thompson as is. I think the whole thought process of trading Ant in any trade for any combination of players or picks, will not result in a championship in the timeline of any of the players currently on the team. Your best bet is if whoever gets the first pick in this upcoming draft is willing to move it since AJ Dybantsa is suppose to incredible. But even that you're banking on an unknown that may not turn out as expected. Same thing if San Antonio wanted to move Dylan Harper, Castle, and a dozen first round picks. I just don't see any path to a championship with the current roster and those additions. Maybe they will play a more appealing game to some of you, but the results will be an early exit every season.

Yeah, some good points Rap...I agree that you need a star to win a championship, and we would not have one with a trade like that. If you look at the list of recent champions, you see names like SGA, Jokic, Tatum/Brown, LeBron, Steph, Durant, Kawhi, etc...all veritable stars that nobody would say "he's not the kind of guy who can lead a team to a championship". Guys who not only put up great numbers themselves, but also either play great defense, or make their teammates much better...or both. I think the issue with the Wolves is that a lot of smart basketball minds here don't have Ant in the same category as the guys above, and question whether he will ever be at that level. I think he will always be an elite scorer, but I question whether he has the basketball IQ to create easy scoring opportunities for his teammates, or the drive to be a consistent defensive force. That's why I hope a creative guy like TC is always looking for ways to make deals that can win us a championship, and I think Ant is our best chance to bring back a player of the caliber of the guys above. What do I think will happen? I think Ant will be a Timberwolf for as long as he wants to be, and we will be entertained by an exciting scorer, but also not be good enough to get to the next level. All things considered, that's not a bad place for a franchise to be in...a lot of fans would love it if their team was a consistent playoff team like ours has been during this Ant era. But it's okay to want more too...

People would absolutely say that Kevin Durant is not the kind of guy that can lead you to a championship. He only won because he did so on the coattails of the Kerr/Steph/Draymond Golden State juggernaut. Otherwise he's been a disgruntled entitled player wherever he goes. He's one of the more unlikeable stars in the NBA.

Then you have Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, two guys that both have career regular season and playoff assist averages less than Ant. Jaylen Brown won a Finals MVP averaging 3.3 assists per game and a net on/off rating (one of your favorite stats!) of -7.5 during their Finals run. Using the stat you love so much, he only made his team mates better when he sat on the bench! Their whole offense was a "your turn, my turn" 5-out style that relied on iso basketball and 3-point shooting.

The legit franchise MVP types like Jokic, SGA, LeBron, Curry, and Giannis only come around once every three or four drafts - and the teams that drafted them didn't even know they would be as good as they turned out to be (OK, LeBron was probably a sure thing).

Hoping TC could somehow snuff out an upgrade to Ant by trading Ant is a long-shot gamble that in all likelihood wouldn't pay off. I know you'd be OK with it since you seem to dislike Ant's style of play so much, but I highly doubt you end up with someone better and I think you understand that too.

FNG wrote: ↑Sun Mar 22, 2026 7:37 am

rapsuperstar31 wrote: ↑Sat Mar 21, 2026 6:25 pm

FNG wrote: ↑Sat Mar 21, 2026 5:30 pm

I don't know if Houston would do a deal like that, but I know I would...and I hope TC is open to any idea that might bring a championship to Minnesota. I didn't see the Portland game, and of course we would have had a better chance of winning if our top scorer was playing. But I also think last night's available roster plus Thompson, Smith and Eason would have demolished Portland. I agree with Cool's take that Ant's perceived value around the NBA is higher than his actual value to the Wolves. And his perceived value may never be higher after winning the MVP in the all star game (the perfect venue for Ant, because it's about shooting and not defense and playmaking). Local fans would be upset if we traded Ant, even for a package like the one Cool suggests. But fans are always going to be happy if the team is winning. And I think we could be dominant adding the kind of young talent Ant would bring back to an exciting group of young guys who love to play fast and be aggressive on defense. I don't think it's going to happen...the Dallas trade of Luka for an injured AD is going to dampen chances of trading a star. But I at least hope TC is open to any deal that could improve the fit of this roster and potentially improve us.

Durant hates all of those players so I'm sure he would love to ship them out, he especially hates Jabari. The biggest problem with that premise if you your goal in doing this is to win a championship, is you need a star to win a championship not a team of role players, and we wouldn't have a star making a trade like this. You would cap yourself as a perennial first or second round exit every season without that star. Teams would hate to play you for your defense, but you aren't going to win anything. You would clearly need to trade Rudy, because teams don't bother defending Thompson as is. I think the whole thought process of trading Ant in any trade for any combination of players or picks, will not result in a championship in the timeline of any of the players currently on the team. Your best bet is if whoever gets the first pick in this upcoming draft is willing to move it since AJ Dybantsa is suppose to incredible. But even that you're banking on an unknown that may not turn out as expected. Same thing if San Antonio wanted to move Dylan Harper, Castle, and a dozen first round picks. I just don't see any path to a championship with the current roster and those additions. Maybe they will play a more appealing game to some of you, but the results will be an early exit every season.

Yeah, some good points Rap...I agree that you need a star to win a championship, and we would not have one with a trade like that. If you look at the list of recent champions, you see names like SGA, Jokic, Tatum/Brown, LeBron, Steph, Durant, Kawhi, etc...all veritable stars that nobody would say "he's not the kind of guy who can lead a team to a championship". Guys who not only put up great numbers themselves, but also either play great defense, or make their teammates much better...or both. I think the issue with the Wolves is that a lot of smart basketball minds here don't have Ant in the same category as the guys above, and question whether he will ever be at that level. I think he will always be an elite scorer, but I question whether he has the basketball IQ to create easy scoring opportunities for his teammates, or the drive to be a consistent defensive force. That's why I hope a creative guy like TC is always looking for ways to make deals that can win us a championship, and I think Ant is our best chance to bring back a player of the caliber of the guys above. What do I think will happen? I think Ant will be a Timberwolf for as long as he wants to be, and we will be entertained by an exciting scorer, but also not be good enough to get to the next level. All things considered, that's not a bad place for a franchise to be in...a lot of fans would love it if their team was a consistent playoff team like ours has been during this Ant era. But it's okay to want more too...

Coolbreeze44 wrote: ↑Fri Mar 20, 2026 12:46 pm

AbeVigodaLive wrote: ↑Fri Mar 20, 2026 10:42 am

rapsuperstar31 wrote: ↑Fri Mar 20, 2026 9:27 am

We sucked in games Ant missed prior to this season, we're 1-3 against teams above .500 this year with Ant out including losing to the Lakers who were missing Luka, Lebron and Smart, and we beat Phoenix missing it's best player in Brooks as well as Allen who often kills us. The difference between Ant and Kat from 3-4 years ago, Kat had 0 playoff success prior to playing with Ant. Rudy and Mike never got out of the 2nd round of the playoffs until they played with Ant. Randle had 0 playoff success until he played with Ant. Mitchell who was Rudy/Mike's sidekick still hasn't gotten out of the 2nd round of the playoffs with or without Rudy/Mike on great teams. Ant is a legend killer, crossing out Durant/Booker, Joker/Murray, Luka/Lebron, Green/Butler. Regular season Ant does need a change in mentality one of these years as he matures. If you think anyone in Wolves history could do some of the things Ant does, you haven't watched Timberwolves basketball throughout it's history. Lebron one of the top 3 goats, didn't win a championship until he formed a superteam with Bosh and Wade. Hall of fame KG didn't win a title until he teamed up with a super team with Allen and Pierce. Maybe Ant doesn't win his first title until we trade him to another team, but he is a champion type player/USA Golden Medal winner, All Star MVP (most of which have made the hall of fame and have won titles, and someone everyone is begging to be the face of the league. I can guarantee you this, once we do trade Ant, our chances of winning a championship is at least 15 years away once Wemby retires.

While I agree that Edwards >>>> Towns, I'll give Cool the benefit of the doubt that he wasn't making that direct comparison. Obviously, Edwards is the superior player in nearly every way, including being the centerpiece for a good team.

That being said, it's not exactly going out on a limb to suggest that a team isn't going to win a title. As EVERY Minnesota sports fan knows, the odds are very very long.

The Wolves probably won't win a title in the Anthony Edwards era. But I don't think Anthony Edwards will be the primary reason why it won't happen. Similarly, I don't think Kevin Garnett was the primary reason the Wolves didn't get out of the 1st round more than once in his tenure here. Conversely, Edwards has already shown that by the age of 23, he was a primary reason the Wolves made it to the WCF. And considering that the guy has improved some element in his game EVERY season so far, I'm willing to see what plays out next before jettisoning him for lesser players and more Promise of Hope campaigns.

Yes, Ant is better than KAT and is the best player we've ever had IMO. But his perceived value around the league is much higher than reality. He has the tools to be that guy, but his flaws will keep him from reaching his ceiling. He's an incredible shot maker, but his taking plays off on defense counter balance that. He's truly competitive, but that competitive drive is mostly focused on himself and not the opponent. He plays great most of the time, but he doesn't lift his teammates to a higher level. He's starting to pick up injuries and he doesn't even work that hard on defense. IMO we could get a haul of assets that would exceed his overall value to us if we acted in the near future. But I know that won't happen and Ant will continue to thrill but ultimately disappoint in the mold of Dominique Wilkins.

AbeVigodaLive wrote: ↑Sun Mar 22, 2026 4:08 pm

Coolbreeze44 wrote: ↑Fri Mar 20, 2026 12:46 pm

AbeVigodaLive wrote: ↑Fri Mar 20, 2026 10:42 am


While I agree that Edwards >>>> Towns, I'll give Cool the benefit of the doubt that he wasn't making that direct comparison. Obviously, Edwards is the superior player in nearly every way, including being the centerpiece for a good team.

That being said, it's not exactly going out on a limb to suggest that a team isn't going to win a title. As EVERY Minnesota sports fan knows, the odds are very very long.

The Wolves probably won't win a title in the Anthony Edwards era. But I don't think Anthony Edwards will be the primary reason why it won't happen. Similarly, I don't think Kevin Garnett was the primary reason the Wolves didn't get out of the 1st round more than once in his tenure here. Conversely, Edwards has already shown that by the age of 23, he was a primary reason the Wolves made it to the WCF. And considering that the guy has improved some element in his game EVERY season so far, I'm willing to see what plays out next before jettisoning him for lesser players and more Promise of Hope campaigns.

Yes, Ant is better than KAT and is the best player we've ever had IMO. But his perceived value around the league is much higher than reality. He has the tools to be that guy, but his flaws will keep him from reaching his ceiling. He's an incredible shot maker, but his taking plays off on defense counter balance that. He's truly competitive, but that competitive drive is mostly focused on himself and not the opponent. He plays great most of the time, but he doesn't lift his teammates to a higher level. He's starting to pick up injuries and he doesn't even work that hard on defense. IMO we could get a haul of assets that would exceed his overall value to us if we acted in the near future. But I know that won't happen and Ant will continue to thrill but ultimately disappoint in the mold of Dominique Wilkins.

For what it's worth... Edwards won more in the playoffs than Dominique Wilkins... by the age of 24.

The best Atlanta did with Wilkins was going 7 games vs. Boston in the 2nd round. And in doing so... Wilkins and Bird put on one of the greatest shows of all time. Wilkins scored 47 points in a 2-point loss vs. the Celtics who were trying to repeat as champs.

The other starters were Doc Rivers, Randy Wittman, Tree Rollins/Cliff Levingston and Kevin Willis. Even Jon Koncack started 22 games.

Did those Hawks teams lose because of Dominique... or were they simply not as good as the Celtics, Pistons, Bucks, Bulls, et al?



[Note: I don't want to make excuses for Nique... because I agree that he was a flawed star, a clear step below the very best players.]

Coolbreeze44 wrote: ↑Sun Mar 22, 2026 3:47 pm

FNG wrote: ↑Sun Mar 22, 2026 7:37 am

rapsuperstar31 wrote: ↑Sat Mar 21, 2026 6:25 pm

Durant hates all of those players so I'm sure he would love to ship them out, he especially hates Jabari. The biggest problem with that premise if you your goal in doing this is to win a championship, is you need a star to win a championship not a team of role players, and we wouldn't have a star making a trade like this. You would cap yourself as a perennial first or second round exit every season without that star. Teams would hate to play you for your defense, but you aren't going to win anything. You would clearly need to trade Rudy, because teams don't bother defending Thompson as is. I think the whole thought process of trading Ant in any trade for any combination of players or picks, will not result in a championship in the timeline of any of the players currently on the team. Your best bet is if whoever gets the first pick in this upcoming draft is willing to move it since AJ Dybantsa is suppose to incredible. But even that you're banking on an unknown that may not turn out as expected. Same thing if San Antonio wanted to move Dylan Harper, Castle, and a dozen first round picks. I just don't see any path to a championship with the current roster and those additions. Maybe they will play a more appealing game to some of you, but the results will be an early exit every season.

Yeah, some good points Rap...I agree that you need a star to win a championship, and we would not have one with a trade like that. If you look at the list of recent champions, you see names like SGA, Jokic, Tatum/Brown, LeBron, Steph, Durant, Kawhi, etc...all veritable stars that nobody would say "he's not the kind of guy who can lead a team to a championship". Guys who not only put up great numbers themselves, but also either play great defense, or make their teammates much better...or both. I think the issue with the Wolves is that a lot of smart basketball minds here don't have Ant in the same category as the guys above, and question whether he will ever be at that level. I think he will always be an elite scorer, but I question whether he has the basketball IQ to create easy scoring opportunities for his teammates, or the drive to be a consistent defensive force. That's why I hope a creative guy like TC is always looking for ways to make deals that can win us a championship, and I think Ant is our best chance to bring back a player of the caliber of the guys above. What do I think will happen? I think Ant will be a Timberwolf for as long as he wants to be, and we will be entertained by an exciting scorer, but also not be good enough to get to the next level. All things considered, that's not a bad place for a franchise to be in...a lot of fans would love it if their team was a consistent playoff team like ours has been during this Ant era. But it's okay to want more too...

We're pretty much aligned on this FNG. If Luka can be traded then so can Ant. The only difference is we would get a hell of a lot more than Dallas did. I DO believe that was a league trade however, and Flagg was gift wrapped to Dallas at the time. Ant has as much talent or more than anyone in the league, but that alone doesn't make you the best player. It takes a much bigger level of leadership than Ant provides. I know some will say, well he's always praising his teammates and talking about team first. I say don't listen to a man's words, watch his actions.

The big gamble is trying to determine the career path of this phenomenal talent. If you can somehow figure that out, it would tell you exactly whether to move him or not. I agree with you he will be a Timberwolf until he decides otherwise. And I know many if not most fans would take that even if it never means a championship. But it's definitely okay to want more and I'm one of the fans that does. His value is at it's absolute zenith right now, and if you're TC and think he will ascend further, you better be right.

Lipoli390 wrote: ↑Sun Mar 22, 2026 7:21 pm

Coolbreeze44 wrote: ↑Sun Mar 22, 2026 3:47 pm

FNG wrote: ↑Sun Mar 22, 2026 7:37 am

Yeah, some good points Rap...I agree that you need a star to win a championship, and we would not have one with a trade like that. If you look at the list of recent champions, you see names like SGA, Jokic, Tatum/Brown, LeBron, Steph, Durant, Kawhi, etc...all veritable stars that nobody would say "he's not the kind of guy who can lead a team to a championship". Guys who not only put up great numbers themselves, but also either play great defense, or make their teammates much better...or both. I think the issue with the Wolves is that a lot of smart basketball minds here don't have Ant in the same category as the guys above, and question whether he will ever be at that level. I think he will always be an elite scorer, but I question whether he has the basketball IQ to create easy scoring opportunities for his teammates, or the drive to be a consistent defensive force. That's why I hope a creative guy like TC is always looking for ways to make deals that can win us a championship, and I think Ant is our best chance to bring back a player of the caliber of the guys above. What do I think will happen? I think Ant will be a Timberwolf for as long as he wants to be, and we will be entertained by an exciting scorer, but also not be good enough to get to the next level. All things considered, that's not a bad place for a franchise to be in...a lot of fans would love it if their team was a consistent playoff team like ours has been during this Ant era. But it's okay to want more too...

We're pretty much aligned on this FNG. If Luka can be traded then so can Ant. The only difference is we would get a hell of a lot more than Dallas did. I DO believe that was a league trade however, and Flagg was gift wrapped to Dallas at the time. Ant has as much talent or more than anyone in the league, but that alone doesn't make you the best player. It takes a much bigger level of leadership than Ant provides. I know some will say, well he's always praising his teammates and talking about team first. I say don't listen to a man's words, watch his actions.

The big gamble is trying to determine the career path of this phenomenal talent. If you can somehow figure that out, it would tell you exactly whether to move him or not. I agree with you he will be a Timberwolf until he decides otherwise. And I know many if not most fans would take that even if it never means a championship. But it's definitely okay to want more and I'm one of the fans that does. His value is at it's absolute zenith right now, and if you're TC and think he will ascend further, you better be right.

Can’t argue with any of your points, Cool. But in my view, when you have a talent like Ant, your job as President of Basketball Operations is to build a championship contender around him. I’ll add that it never made sense to assume that Ant would develop into another MJ, Kobe or Larry. My view has always been that it made sense to hope Ant would take that next step that so few take but that we should have always been focused on adding similar vintage talent from which someone might emerge as that top dog - 1a or at least a highly competitive 1b next to Ant. My criticism of the Rudy deal has never centered on Rudy; it has always been tied to the opportunity costs of the deal - i.e., what we could have potentially done with all the assets we gave up. Imagine if we still had all the picks we gave up, not to mention the other assets we could have acquired for the players we gave up, along with the additional payroll flexibility. All of that would have put us in position to acquire Giannis at the deadline or maybe earlier. Other than Giannis, who knows who else we could have acquired who could have been a 1a or 1b to Ant. Rudy has been great defensively, but I thought it was the wrong call to go after a 30+ year old complementary piece (a very good one) rather than looking to acquire younger players who with the potential to be much more.

This post isn’t intended as an expression of sour grapes regret or “see I told you so. I’ve enjoyed the ride with Rudy who has been terrific. I just don’t think you trade that much for a guy like Rudy to complement a 19-year old emerging star because it’s way too early at that point to know whether that 19 year old can be what you need your top elite player to be. I’m still not sure even though I admit you might be right that Ant has hit his developmental ceiling. So here we are - at a point when it’s reasonable to suggest the possibility of trading Ant. We might have been here anyway without the Rudy trade, but once we made that deal we never had a chance to get another potential star to pair with Ant. Moreover, it would be very difficult to make up for what we’d be losing with Ant’s departure if we trade him and we’d be entering that highly uncertain world of rebuild.

My alternative to your more bold suggestion of trading Ant is to trade Randle and bring in a new head coach who might be able to get something extra out of Ant and some of the other guys who also fail to bring consistent defensive and all-around effort to the court. Randle is the worst offender in that area. Honestly, the only players who have proven to bring consistent elite two-way effort on this team this season are Donte, Bones, Naz, Ayo so far, and maybe Rudy. Donte’s shooting has been frustratingly inconsistent. Naz and Bones have more off-nights shooting than I’d like to see, but those two along with Donte and Ayo give consistent effort. I wouldn’t consider trading Ant without at least going one season with a new head coach and a roster without Randle.