Next Years Bigs

[kekgeek]

Naz is far too weak defensively to play the 5. I don't think he will ever be good enough either, because he has shown mostly offensive improvement but practically nothing defensively. I think the defense as a whole can be fine with Naz with a good defender behind him. He's also not really that big either. He plays more like a wing in a PF body.

I also heard on a podcast that Naz turned down 10 million per for 4 years. Not sure if that report is true or not though. If we trade KAT then I think resigning Naz makes sense. He's a subpar version of KAT. But he's younger and has greater upside and will be a ton cheaper. So I am on board with this scenario.

Re-signing Naz will probably coast $12-15 million next season on a 3-4 year deal. I would absolutely sign him in that price range. Naz is too talented to let him walk. Yes, he’s been the League 4 years, but he hasn’t had a lot of minutes or consistent minutes. And he’s a late bloomer. I think he has lots of remaining upside. He started to hit his stride late last season and I think the rest of the League saw that and sees him as Cool and I see him - a 20 point per game big. He’s never looked good defensively at the 5, but late last season he actually looked decent defensively at the 4 playing alongside Rudy or KAT. He can guard in space, but can be overpowered guarding bigs with size in the paint. He’s a PF, not a center.

I agree that we should keep Naz if we trade KAT this summer. But I also think we should keep him even if we don’t trade KAT this summer - at least as insurance in the event we trade KAT next summer. If things go well with KAT and Rudy next season and we don’t get a lot out of Naz, it will be easy to trade him for value. Players who can score and hit threes, especially bigs, have a lot of value in the League. They have far more value than the bigs who just rebound and block shots in the paint. The Wolves front office has depleted the organization’s draft assets and we’re over the cap closing in on the luxury tax threshold. This team can’t afford to let talented young players leave for nothing.

Yep, give him minutes and he will drop 20 per night. There are a lot teams where he wouldn't get enough court time, but in the right situation he would score at a high level.

I promise when I post this it’s not a rip on Naz, I do want to resign Naz and think he has one of the more interesting free agencies this season. My main concern has the wolves have had 0 team success with Naz on the court throughout his career.

This year:
Overall: Net -4.8 (26th percentile), Offense: 28th percentile, defense: 34th percentile

With Rudy: Net -14.9 (3rd percentile), offense: 1st (dead last parting in the NBA), defense: 28th percentile

With Kat: Net -8.8 (14th percentile) offense: 4th percentile, defense: 58th percentile

By himself: Net -2.2 (37th percentile), offense: 47th percentile, defense: 34th percentile.

Last year:
Overall: Net -1.5 (43rd percentile), offense: 23rd percentile, defense: 73rd percentile

With Kat: Net -13.6 (6th percentile), offense: 18th percentile, defense: 7th percentile

By himself: Net -0.5 (47th percentile), offense: 23rd percentile, defense: 79th percentile

2 years ago:
Overall: Net -10 (12th percentile), offense: 12th percentile, defense: 28 percentile

With Kat: Net -4.5 (30th percentile), offense: 53rd percentile, defense: 17th percentile.


So for Naz whole career the wolves have not been just bad with Naz on the floor they have been terrible, and when he has been at PF it’s been pathetic over multiple years. That to go along with being not effective in his 1 career playoff series and was played off the floor in multiple games

[Q-is-here]

Re-signing Naz will probably coast $12-15 million next season on a 3-4 year deal. I would absolutely sign him in that price range. Naz is too talented to let him walk. Yes, he’s been the League 4 years, but he hasn’t had a lot of minutes or consistent minutes. And he’s a late bloomer. I think he has lots of remaining upside. He started to hit his stride late last season and I think the rest of the League saw that and sees him as Cool and I see him - a 20 point per game big. He’s never looked good defensively at the 5, but late last season he actually looked decent defensively at the 4 playing alongside Rudy or KAT. He can guard in space, but can be overpowered guarding bigs with size in the paint. He’s a PF, not a center.

I agree that we should keep Naz if we trade KAT this summer. But I also think we should keep him even if we don’t trade KAT this summer - at least as insurance in the event we trade KAT next summer. If things go well with KAT and Rudy next season and we don’t get a lot out of Naz, it will be easy to trade him for value. Players who can score and hit threes, especially bigs, have a lot of value in the League. They have far more value than the bigs who just rebound and block shots in the paint. The Wolves front office has depleted the organization’s draft assets and we’re over the cap closing in on the luxury tax threshold. This team can’t afford to let talented young players leave for nothing.

Yep, give him minutes and he will drop 20 per night. There are a lot teams where he wouldn't get enough court time, but in the right situation he would score at a high level.

I promise when I post this it’s not a rip on Naz, I do want to resign Naz and think he has one of the more interesting free agencies this season. My main concern has the wolves have had 0 team success with Naz on the court throughout his career.

This year:
Overall: Net -4.8 (26th percentile), Offense: 28th percentile, defense: 34th percentile

With Rudy: Net -14.9 (3rd percentile), offense: 1st (dead last parting in the NBA), defense: 28th percentile

With Kat: Net -8.8 (14th percentile) offense: 4th percentile, defense: 58th percentile

By himself: Net -2.2 (37th percentile), offense: 47th percentile, defense: 34th percentile.

Last year:
Overall: Net -1.5 (43rd percentile), offense: 23rd percentile, defense: 73rd percentile

With Kat: Net -13.6 (6th percentile), offense: 18th percentile, defense: 7th percentile

By himself: Net -0.5 (47th percentile), offense: 23rd percentile, defense: 79th percentile

2 years ago:
Overall: Net -10 (12th percentile), offense: 12th percentile, defense: 28 percentile

With Kat: Net -4.5 (30th percentile), offense: 53rd percentile, defense: 17th percentile.


So for Naz whole career the wolves have not been just bad with Naz on the floor they have been terrible, and when he has been at PF it’s been pathetic over multiple years. That to go along with being not effective in his 1 career playoff series and was played off the floor in multiple games

Hard to ignore those numbers. He has had to play a lot of minutes with the likes of Beasley and Nowell over the last couple of years - neither of whom are good defenders - and I will even throw Prince out there as a mediocre defender other than his ability to take charges. So his bench buddies have not been the greatest fit with a Center that is more of a pure scorer.

If we tighten up the perimeter defense with the likes of NAW instead of Nowell or Beasley as your first guard off the bench, his ability to score becomes even more important and may be his defense is less exposed because he doesn't have a SG that is rolling out the red carpet for opponents.

Like I said, I'm sort of on the fence with him. I get all the different angles as to why we may want to keep him, but finding another competent big should not be hard for a guy like TC if Naz asks for too much $.

[kekgeek]

Yep, give him minutes and he will drop 20 per night. There are a lot teams where he wouldn't get enough court time, but in the right situation he would score at a high level.

I promise when I post this it’s not a rip on Naz, I do want to resign Naz and think he has one of the more interesting free agencies this season. My main concern has the wolves have had 0 team success with Naz on the court throughout his career.

This year:
Overall: Net -4.8 (26th percentile), Offense: 28th percentile, defense: 34th percentile

With Rudy: Net -14.9 (3rd percentile), offense: 1st (dead last parting in the NBA), defense: 28th percentile

With Kat: Net -8.8 (14th percentile) offense: 4th percentile, defense: 58th percentile

By himself: Net -2.2 (37th percentile), offense: 47th percentile, defense: 34th percentile.

Last year:
Overall: Net -1.5 (43rd percentile), offense: 23rd percentile, defense: 73rd percentile

With Kat: Net -13.6 (6th percentile), offense: 18th percentile, defense: 7th percentile

By himself: Net -0.5 (47th percentile), offense: 23rd percentile, defense: 79th percentile

2 years ago:
Overall: Net -10 (12th percentile), offense: 12th percentile, defense: 28 percentile

With Kat: Net -4.5 (30th percentile), offense: 53rd percentile, defense: 17th percentile.


So for Naz whole career the wolves have not been just bad with Naz on the floor they have been terrible, and when he has been at PF it’s been pathetic over multiple years. That to go along with being not effective in his 1 career playoff series and was played off the floor in multiple games

Hard to ignore those numbers. He has had to play a lot of minutes with the likes of Beasley and Nowell over the last couple of years - neither of whom are good defenders - and I will even throw Prince out there as a mediocre defender other than his ability to take charges. So his bench buddies have not been the greatest fit with a Center that is more of a pure scorer.

If we tighten up the perimeter defense with the likes of NAW instead of Nowell or Beasley as your first guard off the bench, his ability to score becomes even more important and may be his defense is less exposed because he doesn't have a SG that is rolling out the red carpet for opponents.

Like I said, I'm sort of on the fence with him. I get all the different angles as to why we may want to keep him, but finding another competent big should not be hard for a guy like TC if Naz asks for too much $.

Correct, context 100% matters. That’s why I said this post isn’t to rip Naz the are my concerns. I did look up after your post because I was intrigued the wolves lineups with Naz with Dlo or Conley/Ant/Mcdaniels/slow Mo and they were really freaking good. However Naz will never be a full time starter on this team.

[Monster]

I promise when I post this it’s not a rip on Naz, I do want to resign Naz and think he has one of the more interesting free agencies this season. My main concern has the wolves have had 0 team success with Naz on the court throughout his career.

This year:
Overall: Net -4.8 (26th percentile), Offense: 28th percentile, defense: 34th percentile

With Rudy: Net -14.9 (3rd percentile), offense: 1st (dead last parting in the NBA), defense: 28th percentile

With Kat: Net -8.8 (14th percentile) offense: 4th percentile, defense: 58th percentile

By himself: Net -2.2 (37th percentile), offense: 47th percentile, defense: 34th percentile.

Last year:
Overall: Net -1.5 (43rd percentile), offense: 23rd percentile, defense: 73rd percentile

With Kat: Net -13.6 (6th percentile), offense: 18th percentile, defense: 7th percentile

By himself: Net -0.5 (47th percentile), offense: 23rd percentile, defense: 79th percentile

2 years ago:
Overall: Net -10 (12th percentile), offense: 12th percentile, defense: 28 percentile

With Kat: Net -4.5 (30th percentile), offense: 53rd percentile, defense: 17th percentile.


So for Naz whole career the wolves have not been just bad with Naz on the floor they have been terrible, and when he has been at PF it’s been pathetic over multiple years. That to go along with being not effective in his 1 career playoff series and was played off the floor in multiple games

Hard to ignore those numbers. He has had to play a lot of minutes with the likes of Beasley and Nowell over the last couple of years - neither of whom are good defenders - and I will even throw Prince out there as a mediocre defender other than his ability to take charges. So his bench buddies have not been the greatest fit with a Center that is more of a pure scorer.

If we tighten up the perimeter defense with the likes of NAW instead of Nowell or Beasley as your first guard off the bench, his ability to score becomes even more important and may be his defense is less exposed because he doesn't have a SG that is rolling out the red carpet for opponents.

Like I said, I'm sort of on the fence with him. I get all the different angles as to why we may want to keep him, but finding another competent big should not be hard for a guy like TC if Naz asks for too much $.

Correct, context 100% matters. That’s why I said this post isn’t to rip Naz the are my concerns. I did look up after your post because I was intrigued the wolves lineups with Naz with Dlo or Conley/Ant/Mcdaniels/slow Mo and they were really freaking good. However Naz will never be a full time starter on this team.

Actually if you just want a big that can score points and Naz isn’t back it’s not that hard to imagine a way to fill that role. Just sign Garza to a Gupta special and throw him out there. Of course there is no guarantee that he is gonna be as good next year but I’d take that chance considering what it would probably cost to sign him. If he is actually good as a bench player the team would probably have him locked up for around the vet min for at least 3 years.

I’d like to have both guys on the roster but if Naz’s price goes high enough the best case scenario might be a team that’s over the cap wants Naz and does a sign and trade for him and we get something. I don’t think there is a very strong chance that would happen and I doubt we would get anything too exciting plus what would we have to take back in a salary match? Maybe the Wolves should let Naz go and get another useful player with Naz’s roster spot.

[Coolbreeze44]

Going on record: I think next years Wolves roster will include NAZ, Anfernee Simons, and the #3 pick. Rebuild complete, our stars with the exception of Rudy all in the same age bracket.

[Phenom]

Going on record: I think next years Wolves roster will include NAZ, Anfernee Simons, and the #3 pick. Rebuild complete, our stars with the exception of Rudy all in the same age bracket.

I think the financial outlook dictates something like this will be true in the near future. The idea of keeping Naz has little to do with having he, Karl and Rudy on the roster and more to do with having him be discount Karl to make the puzzle fit better.

[Lipoli390]

Going on record: I think next years Wolves roster will include NAZ, Anfernee Simons, and the #3 pick. Rebuild complete, our stars with the exception of Rudy all in the same age bracket.

That’s definitely a possibility. Do you see that deal happening if Charlotte picks Scoot at #2?

Here’s another possibility I’ll throw out there: KAT + Knight + this year’s #53 to the Hornets for the following:

- Hayward
- Richards
- Hornets #2 pick (Scoot)
- Hornets #34 pick
- Hornets #39 pick via Utah
- Hornets 2027 1st (top 4 protected)

For the record, I don’t think the Wolves will trade KAT or Rudy this summer.

[KiwiMatt]

Going on record: I think next years Wolves roster will include NAZ, Anfernee Simons, and the #3 pick. Rebuild complete, our stars with the exception of Rudy all in the same age bracket.

In terms of potential return and timeline fit I think trading KAT to Portland this off season could be our best option. If I was TC this is what my asking price would be from most preferred to what I would ask for next.

1. KAT and Wendell Moore Jr for 3rd pick (Scoot), Anfernee Simons and Shaedon Sharpe

2. KAT for 3rd pick (Scoot), Anfernee Simons and future 1st RP (2026 unprotected)

3. KAT and Wendell Moore Jr for 3rd pick (Scoot), Shaedon Sharpe, Jusuf Nurkic, and future 1st RP (2026 unprotected)

I'd prefer Shaedon Sharpe over Simons. Ideally I'd want both of them with Scoot but not sure if Portland would accept that. I think scenario 2 would be most likely.

[FNG]

I am still in favor of keeping everyone next season, and I also agree with Lip that it is unlikely we move either of our bigs this summer, but I'm warming to the deals Kiwi and Lip are suggesting...but only under one condition. I have no interest in Henderson. I recognize the athleticism and he seems like a smart, interesting guy, but there are too many red flags for a top 3 pick. 25% 3-point shooting, 3.5 TOs per game, few trips to the FT line, and a work in process on defense according to nbadraft.net. Not the kind of guy I would want to give up an offensive unicorn for. However other than the weird murder story and the poor NCAA tournament (yeah, I know...other than that Mrs. Lincoln, how'd you like the play?), I would be in favor of getting Brandon Miller in a KAT trade. I don't see Charlotte taking Henderson though, so that would mean we would have to force a deal with Charlotte.

That's where I run into a problem, because I can't come up with a KAT for #2 trade that works. While I can see Miller moving into a starting 4 role with us, especially if he packs on a little more muscle, I think Charlotte is probably drooling about slotting him in as Hayward's replacement. But they also would have to be excited about bringing in KAT as their starting center, I would think. Can anyone come up with a salary-matching deal that the Hornets might consider?

[WildWolf2813]

I am still in favor of keeping everyone next season, and I also agree with Lip that it is unlikely we move either of our bigs this summer, but I'm warming to the deals Kiwi and Lip are suggesting...but only under one condition. I have no interest in Henderson. I recognize the athleticism and he seems like a smart, interesting guy, but there are too many red flags for a top 3 pick. 25% 3-point shooting, 3.5 TOs per game, few trips to the FT line, and a work in process on defense according to nbadraft.net. Not the kind of guy I would want to give up an offensive unicorn for. However other than the weird murder story and the poor NCAA tournament (yeah, I know...other than that Mrs. Lincoln, how'd you like the play?), I would be in favor of getting Brandon Miller in a KAT trade. I don't see Charlotte taking Henderson though, so that would mean we would have to force a deal with Charlotte.

That's where I run into a problem, because I can't come up with a KAT for #2 trade that works. While I can see Miller moving into a starting 4 role with us, especially if he packs on a little more muscle, I think Charlotte is probably drooling about slotting him in as Hayward's replacement. But they also would have to be excited about bringing in KAT as their starting center, I would think. Can anyone come up with a salary-matching deal that the Hornets might consider?

Charlotte already has a starting center they should be happy to develop in Mark Williams.

The reason why everyone is very intrigued by Scoot is that Scoot potentially solves PG now and in the future, whereas it should be a major wonder as to how they'll solve PG after Conley leaves. If the solution is to just make Ant the PG, it's a lazy one that hurts everyone since he's not Luka in any way.