Minnesota Sports Forum

The Feb. trade deadline is less than 2 weeks away and it would be interesting to know what Flip and his front office coherts are thinking. This thread is intended as an opportunity to speculate on what the Wolves brass might have in mind and to offer opinions on what they should do.

I'll start with the obvious observation that everyone on the roster is "available" for the right price -- although there is no remotely realistic scenario under which either Ricky or Wiggins would be dealt this month. I have no idea who, if anyone, the Wolves are actually "shopping." But I have to believe the Wolves would love to swap Budinger for nothing more than an expiring contract. Beyond that, I suspect the Wolves aren't shopping any of their players. Instead I suspect the Wolves are in a relatively passive mode, taking calls from other teams primarily about three players - Mo Williams, Thad Young and Kevin Martin. Here are my thoughts on the propect of trading each one:

1. Mo Williams. This guy has been a disappointment. Given how he's played along with his age and expiring contract, he's definitely not part of this young team's future. So there is little to be gained by keeping him. Yet, with his relatively small expiring contract, there is no strong reason to trade him. I'd trade him for a top 24 protected 2015 or 2016 1st round pick or what would likely be a 2015 top five 2nd round pick. If we can't get at least that, then I'd keep him and get what we can from him to help us win the rest of the season.

2. Thad Young. Apparently several teams have a pretty strong interest in him. I like the way he's playing now with Ricky back in the lineup. But there could be some salary cap benefit to trading him given his $10 million opt in for next season. Moreover, he's the one guy rumored to be a trade target who could garner a significant asset in return. If we can get a lottery-protected fist round pick in 2015 or 2016 without taking back more salary next season, then I'd pull the trigger. Anything less then that I'd keep him.

3. Kevin Martin. A first round pick or promising young veteran in return for Kevin would be enough for me to pull the trigger.

You're not getting more than a second round pick for Mo with him being an expiring deal. I'm surprised Glen hasn't told Flip to get that second so he can sell it off and essentially have had a half year of Mo for free.

Lip can you do me a favor and list the brass and a sentence on what they actually do?

More than anything I am wondering if Flip is both coach and the one answering / making phone calls for trades?

I want to see Chase, AB, Troy & GRIII for KG but we need to get permission to talk to KG and find out if he is interested in playing here at a reasonable price next year.

Tactical unit wrote:Lip can you do me a favor and list the brass and a sentence on what they actually do?

More than anything I am wondering if Flip is both coach and the one answering / making phone calls for trades?

Milt Newton is probably taking a lot of those calls.

Absolutely no reason to proactively shop these guys. Let the market come to us and if a good deal isn't offered, than forget it.

The thing about Thad that is in the back of my mind is his age. He's only 26. If there was a chance we could restructure his deal over a longer period of time and he'd be willing to eventually take a back seat to a legit starting 4, I'd want to keep him. He should know by now that he's not going to start on a 50+ win team (at least not in the West), so I would think he would be open to playing an important role coming off the bench. It depends on how much he likes it here I guess. I do agree he's not worth $9+ million per year. I doubt many other teams value him at that level either.

Agree completely Q. I've said in other threads we shouldn't be hasty to make trades, jocky for a better draft position, etc. We should see a competitive team the 2nd half of the season that should be kept together.

Q12543 wrote:

Tactical unit wrote:Lip can you do me a favor and list the brass and a sentence on what they actually do?

More than anything I am wondering if Flip is both coach and the one answering / making phone calls for trades?

Milt Newton is probably taking a lot of those calls.

Milt Newton would be my guess too. He's the #2 guy in the Basketball Operations department. Rob Babcock is also probably heavily involved.

I wonder what teams would be looking to make a move.

I am sure Flip would like to get Zellar from the Hornets. I would be willing to give a flyer on Vonlesh for Mo Williams and a 2nd.

q12543 wrote:Absolutely no reason to proactively shop these guys. Let the market come to us and if a good deal isn't offered, than forget it.

The thing about Thad that is in the back of my mind is his age. He's only 26. If there was a chance we could restructure his deal over a longer period of time and he'd be willing to eventually take a back seat to a legit starting 4, I'd want to keep him. He should know by now that he's not going to start on a 50+ win team (at least not in the West), so I would think he would be open to playing an important role coming off the bench. It depends on how much he likes it here I guess. I do agree he's not worth $9+ million per year. I doubt many other teams value him at that level either.

There is no reason to trade these guys for nothing. If there is a good deal to be had, make it. It's not like Martin and Young are bums we need to dump for nothing. They both have great value to a winning team.