Minnesota Sports Forum

I really want Bazz to re-sign with the Wolves. I think it's possibly he will, but unlikely.

It's possible because he could reestablish Bird rights with the Wolves, which could be in his long-term financial interest. It would take him three seasons with another team to establish Bird rights. He also has friends on the Wolves, knows the system and should see that he'd have a good opportunity for meaningful minutes off the bench on a contending team.

It's unlikely because I think he probably has better opportunities with a couple other teams for playing time to showcase his skills and also make more money. The team that jumps out at me as the team I think Bazz ends up with is Phoenix. First, I just read that they're looking for young free agents in their early to mid-20s to fill out their remaining roster spots. Bazz obviously fits that profile. Second, the Suns don't have an established or up-and-coming SF on their roster, so Phoenix would seem to present a great opportunity for Bazz to get playing time and showcase his skills. Finally, the Suns have significant remaining cap space, so it would be easy for them to offer Bazz far more than the vet minimum.

I'm still hoping Bazz re-signs here and there are reasons for him to do so. But I'm predicting sadly that he ends up with the Suns.

I can't predict where he will end up, but like you, I find it unlikely he will return here. One of the things I like about Bazz is his confidence and belief in himself, and I really believe he thinks he hasn't been allowed to showcase his skills here (I don't agree...although he is a prolific scorer and offensive rebounder, his other deficiencies make him a classic bench guy). Guys like Bazz (and there are many) always think the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, and will move thinking they are certain he will be more appreciated elsewhere. I think Bazz's pride is the most compelling argument for why he will choose to go elsewhere, even if it isn't the best possible deal for him financially. I hope I am wrong because I would love to see Bazz return, but my sense is that he is gone.

Lip, I thought of Phoenix too without thinking much about their roster.

I just picture Muhammad on a bad team. He'll have his nights for that team, so it's probably not the worst move for him as he seeks a better deal. But in today's NBA, he's going to have to show that he's improved in other areas besides energy scoring off the bench to garner a large contract.

Personally, I don't think he has it in him.

lipoli390 wrote:I really want Bazz to re-sign with the Wolves. I think it's possibly he will, but unlikely.

It's possible because he could reestablish Bird rights with the Wolves, which could be in his long-term financial interest. It would take him three seasons with another team to establish Bird rights. He also has friends on the Wolves, knows the system and should see that he'd have a good opportunity for meaningful minutes off the bench on a contending team.

It's unlikely because I think he probably has better opportunities with a couple other teams for playing time to showcase his skills and also make more money. The team that jumps out at me as the team I think Bazz ends up with is Phoenix. First, I just read that they're looking for young free agents in their early to mid-20s to fill out their remaining roster spots. Bazz obviously fits that profile. Second, the Suns don't have an established or up-and-coming SF on their roster, so Phoenix would seem to present a great opportunity for Bazz to get playing time and showcase his skills. Finally, the Suns have significant remaining cap space, so it would be easy for them to offer Bazz far more than the vet minimum.

I'm still hoping Bazz re-signs here and there are reasons for him to do so. But I'm predicting sadly that he ends up with the Suns.

Um...I think you are forgetting a couple guys on the Suns roster.

1. Josh Jackson that guy is gonna play and he isn't taking minutes from Booker.
2. TJ Warren who is basically a Bazz type guy who can fill it up but I believe he has better ball handling ability.

I don't get why he wouldn't go to NO if he signs a minimum with someone. That team is just desperate for wings and Bazz > Cunningham whom they are pushing hard to bring back. At this point I'd take him back if he wants to be here but I don't get why he wouldn't go to one of these other teams that desperately need wings.

khans2k5 wrote:I don't get why he wouldn't go to NO if he signs a minimum with someone. That team is just desperate for wings and Bazz > Cunningham whom they are pushing hard to bring back. At this point I'd take him back if he wants to be here but I don't get why he wouldn't go to one of these other teams that desperately need wings.

That destination makes sense. New Orleans is good enough that there's a chance he is getting meaningful minutes for a meaningful team. Heck, it might be a place that would commit to him longer term if it works out.

Fit wise I think NOLA makes the most sense for Bazz. He'd probably start next to Rondo - Holiday - Davis - Cousins, although even the defensive presence of their front court wouldn't make up for their woeful perimeter D with that lineup! Solomon Hill is a big loss for them and I think resigning Cunningham makes more sense than Muhammad at this stage. They also already have a half decent scoring punch off the bench with Ian Clark, Jordan Crawford and Etwan Moore.

I can see the Suns swinging for the fences for a big names player and keeping their cap flexibility to do so, hence why I don't think they'll sign Bazz. They'll want to develop their younger wings with big minutes - Jackson, Bledisloe and Warren. Bazz would become their 4th wing, a situation no better (expect potentially financially) than if he stayed in Minny.

I really think the money has dried up and we won't see many more multi year above vet min deals. It may be best for Bazz to accept the min and stay on with Minnesota just to retain his bird rights and stay in a system he knows. All it takes is one of our wings to go down with injury (touch wood they don't) and Bazz will play a significant role with this team.

It sounds like the Lakers are a distinct possibility.
https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2017/08/shabazz-muhammad-reportedly-considering-lakers.html

MikeAz wrote:It sounds like the Lakers are a distinct possibility.
https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2017/08/shabazz-muhammad-reportedly-considering-lakers.html

If he can get 4.3M from them it makes sense. Having his former agent the GM has to help. I think we need Butler and Towns reaching out to him to come back.

bleedspeed177 wrote:

MikeAz wrote:It sounds like the Lakers are a distinct possibility.
https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2017/08/shabazz-muhammad-reportedly-considering-lakers.html

If he can get 4.3M from them it makes sense. Having his former agent the GM has to help. I think we need Butler and Towns reaching out to him to come back.

We will see if anyone steps up with more than the min. Jon K and Wolfson both say he wants a place where he will get to play. He has reservations about how mix he will play with the Wolves but they are telling him he will play. If I was his agent so would tell him you should go back to the Wolves because they played you last year they want you back and if you play well in even 15mpg for a playoff team in the west teams will notice that. With some of these other teams there is a real possibility he won't play even if a team or 2 is somewhat desperate. NO for example doesn't seem particularly interested.