Trade Talk (Part 16): Early Season Anxiety Edition

[Mattya]

I know Ant idolizes him but he did not elevate Phoenix to contenders, what makes some wolves fans think he can do that here?

I’d like to know why KD not elevating the suns to the championship was KD’s fault?

He didn't say championship, contenders.

Not just on KD, but why would it be different here? Add to that, the lower end talent we'd have to give up would kill our future (imo).

So I agree with Neeva to a certain degree. Bringing in KD does not automatically elevate our team to genuine contenders. Given his past attempts at doing this have not gone the best, I'd be hesitant to have HIGH hopes.

lol again how are we at all similar to the Suns. People keep saying this but can’t explain.

[WolfAddict]

I’d like to know why KD not elevating the suns to the championship was KD’s fault?

He didn't say championship, contenders.

Not just on KD, but why would it be different here? Add to that, the lower end talent we'd have to give up would kill our future (imo).

So I agree with Neeva to a certain degree. Bringing in KD does not automatically elevate our team to genuine contenders. Given his past attempts at doing this have not gone the best, I'd be hesitant to have HIGH hopes.

lol again how are we at all similar to the Suns. People keep saying this but can’t explain.

lol who said we're similar to the Suns?

lol Can you explain why it would be different here?

[Mattya]

He didn't say championship, contenders.

Not just on KD, but why would it be different here? Add to that, the lower end talent we'd have to give up would kill our future (imo).

So I agree with Neeva to a certain degree. Bringing in KD does not automatically elevate our team to genuine contenders. Given his past attempts at doing this have not gone the best, I'd be hesitant to have HIGH hopes.

lol again how are we at all similar to the Suns. People keep saying this but can’t explain.

lol who said we're similar to the Suns?

lol Can you explain why it would be different here?

How are you asking how it would be different here without saying we are similar to the Suns? It is literally the comparison YOU are making.

The Timberwolves have Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert, Jaden McDaniels, how is that at all similar and not significantly better and more balanced than the redundancy of Devin Booker and Bradley Beal? Jeez that was easy.

[winforlose]

lol again how are we at all similar to the Suns. People keep saying this but can’t explain.

lol who said we're similar to the Suns?

lol Can you explain why it would be different here?

How are you asking how it would be different here without saying we are similar to the Suns? It is literally the comparison YOU are making.

The Timberwolves have Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert, Jaden McDaniels, how is that at all similar and not significantly better and more balanced than the redundancy of Devin Booker and Bradley Beal? Jeez that was easy.

There is only one basketball. If KD takes shots those are shots not going to Naz, Jaden, DDV, ect… He may hit a couple more than someone else and grab a rebound or make an assist that Naz would not. But he costs 54 million. Which means you get worse on the 2nd line and worse down the road when you get to Ant’s prime. You also need to remember that KD is expiring. If we fail next year he can walk with no questions asked. If we give up valuable assets to acquire someone who just leaves then we are much worse off. Finally you guys forget that before the season everyone thought Mike was going to be last years Mike, but he was not. KD could lose a step in which case he is massively overpaid and we are missing the players we gave up. Look at PG for the 76ers. Big name with good history isn’t always worth huge money, especially in the 2nd apron era, and especially when we are already low in future assets. We cannot just replace guys we send out to acquire KD.

Finally, we are being tantalized by the current Ant, but he isn’t prime Ant yet. Prime Ant is the guy who probably wins a chip. Young Ant is the guy who disappears in the Dallas series and gets bounced. We need to plan for the future and build around Prime Ant. Not empty the coffers now trying to sneak a chip with young Ant and leave Prime Ant without the talent he needs.

[BlacJacMac]

lol who said we're similar to the Suns?

lol Can you explain why it would be different here?

How are you asking how it would be different here without saying we are similar to the Suns? It is literally the comparison YOU are making.

The Timberwolves have Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert, Jaden McDaniels, how is that at all similar and not significantly better and more balanced than the redundancy of Devin Booker and Bradley Beal? Jeez that was easy.

There is only one basketball. If KD takes shots those are shots not going to Naz, Jaden, DDV, ect… He may hit a couple more than someone else and grab a rebound or make an assist that Naz would not. But he costs 54 million. Which means you get worse on the 2nd line and worse down the road when you get to Ant’s prime. You also need to remember that KD is expiring. If we fail next year he can walk with no questions asked. If we give up valuable assets to acquire someone who just leaves then we are much worse off. Finally you guys forget that before the season everyone thought Mike was going to be last years Mike, but he was not. KD could lose a step in which case he is massively overpaid and we are missing the players we gave up. Look at PG for the 76ers. Big name with good history isn’t always worth huge money, especially in the 2nd apron era, and especially when we are already low in future assets. We cannot just replace guys we send out to acquire KD.

Finally, we are being tantalized by the current Ant, but he isn’t prime Ant yet. Prime Ant is the guy who probably wins a chip. Young Ant is the guy who disappears in the Dallas series and gets bounced. We need to plan for the future and build around Prime Ant. Not empty the coffers now trying to sneak a chip with young Ant and leave Prime Ant without the talent he needs.

25/9/8 on 43/41/75 shooting is "disappears"?

Game 1: 19/11/8
Game 2: 21/5/7
Game 3: 26/9/9
Game 4: 29/10/9
Game 5: 28/9/6

I'm not on the trade for KD train (unless we can steal him for like .20 on the dollar). But I can see how having a legit 2nd superstar on offense could make the game a lot easier on Ant.

[Mattya]

lol who said we're similar to the Suns?

lol Can you explain why it would be different here?

How are you asking how it would be different here without saying we are similar to the Suns? It is literally the comparison YOU are making.

The Timberwolves have Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert, Jaden McDaniels, how is that at all similar and not significantly better and more balanced than the redundancy of Devin Booker and Bradley Beal? Jeez that was easy.

There is only one basketball. If KD takes shots those are shots not going to Naz, Jaden, DDV, ect… He may hit a couple more than someone else and grab a rebound or make an assist that Naz would not. But he costs 54 million. Which means you get worse on the 2nd line and worse down the road when you get to Ant’s prime. You also need to remember that KD is expiring. If we fail next year he can walk with no questions asked. If we give up valuable assets to acquire someone who just leaves then we are much worse off. Finally you guys forget that before the season everyone thought Mike was going to be last years Mike, but he was not. KD could lose a step in which case he is massively overpaid and we are missing the players we gave up. Look at PG for the 76ers. Big name with good history isn’t always worth huge money, especially in the 2nd apron era, and especially when we are already low in future assets. We cannot just replace guys we send out to acquire KD.

Finally, we are being tantalized by the current Ant, but he isn’t prime Ant yet. Prime Ant is the guy who probably wins a chip. Young Ant is the guy who disappears in the Dallas series and gets bounced. We need to plan for the future and build around Prime Ant. Not empty the coffers now trying to sneak a chip with young Ant and leave Prime Ant without the talent he needs.

KD literally played with Steph Curry and Klay Thompson and won a championship. Him taking shots away from Naz and DDV isn’t a good argument based on that fact. If nothing else it will make them even more efficient by generating more open shots from the gravity he possesses. Which would be a drastic increase from the minutes we are giving the current players we are discussing trading for Durant currently.

[Mattya]

How are you asking how it would be different here without saying we are similar to the Suns? It is literally the comparison YOU are making.

The Timberwolves have Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert, Jaden McDaniels, how is that at all similar and not significantly better and more balanced than the redundancy of Devin Booker and Bradley Beal? Jeez that was easy.

There is only one basketball. If KD takes shots those are shots not going to Naz, Jaden, DDV, ect… He may hit a couple more than someone else and grab a rebound or make an assist that Naz would not. But he costs 54 million. Which means you get worse on the 2nd line and worse down the road when you get to Ant’s prime. You also need to remember that KD is expiring. If we fail next year he can walk with no questions asked. If we give up valuable assets to acquire someone who just leaves then we are much worse off. Finally you guys forget that before the season everyone thought Mike was going to be last years Mike, but he was not. KD could lose a step in which case he is massively overpaid and we are missing the players we gave up. Look at PG for the 76ers. Big name with good history isn’t always worth huge money, especially in the 2nd apron era, and especially when we are already low in future assets. We cannot just replace guys we send out to acquire KD.

Finally, we are being tantalized by the current Ant, but he isn’t prime Ant yet. Prime Ant is the guy who probably wins a chip. Young Ant is the guy who disappears in the Dallas series and gets bounced. We need to plan for the future and build around Prime Ant. Not empty the coffers now trying to sneak a chip with young Ant and leave Prime Ant without the talent he needs.

25/9/8 on 43/41/75 shooting is "disappears"?

Game 1: 19/11/8
Game 2: 21/5/7
Game 3: 26/9/9
Game 4: 29/10/9
Game 5: 28/9/6

Man if only we had another player who could score 27 ppg on 55/42/82 in the playoffs versus the best defensive team in the league last year when Ant was struggling.

[TimberKat]

After two years of discussion, we finally got Bone Highland on the Wolves. Giving the progression of Clark, TSJ, and trade for DDV. Does he still have a place? I would rather see we sign a PG instead.

[cmoss84]

KD only makes sense for Rudy/DD/Randle and us acquiring another big.

[Mattya]

After two years of discussion, we finally got Bone Highland on the Wolves. Giving the progression of Clark, TSJ, and trade for DDV. Does he still have a place? I would rather see we sign a PG instead.

I don't see the downside with a 2 way contract. We get a chance to see on the off chance that he can play if he fits especially with Conley looking old.

[winforlose]

How are you asking how it would be different here without saying we are similar to the Suns? It is literally the comparison YOU are making.

The Timberwolves have Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert, Jaden McDaniels, how is that at all similar and not significantly better and more balanced than the redundancy of Devin Booker and Bradley Beal? Jeez that was easy.

There is only one basketball. If KD takes shots those are shots not going to Naz, Jaden, DDV, ect… He may hit a couple more than someone else and grab a rebound or make an assist that Naz would not. But he costs 54 million. Which means you get worse on the 2nd line and worse down the road when you get to Ant’s prime. You also need to remember that KD is expiring. If we fail next year he can walk with no questions asked. If we give up valuable assets to acquire someone who just leaves then we are much worse off. Finally you guys forget that before the season everyone thought Mike was going to be last years Mike, but he was not. KD could lose a step in which case he is massively overpaid and we are missing the players we gave up. Look at PG for the 76ers. Big name with good history isn’t always worth huge money, especially in the 2nd apron era, and especially when we are already low in future assets. We cannot just replace guys we send out to acquire KD.

Finally, we are being tantalized by the current Ant, but he isn’t prime Ant yet. Prime Ant is the guy who probably wins a chip. Young Ant is the guy who disappears in the Dallas series and gets bounced. We need to plan for the future and build around Prime Ant. Not empty the coffers now trying to sneak a chip with young Ant and leave Prime Ant without the talent he needs.

25/9/8 on 43/41/75 shooting is "disappears"?

Game 1: 19/11/8
Game 2: 21/5/7
Game 3: 26/9/9
Game 4: 29/10/9
Game 5: 28/9/6

I'm not on the trade for KD train (unless we can steal him for like .20 on the dollar). But I can see how having a legit 2nd superstar on offense could make the game a lot easier on Ant.

Game 1: 37.5% from the field 19 points on 16 shots.
Game 2: 29.4% from the field 21 on 17 shots
Game 3: 45.8% from the field 26 points on 24 shots
Game 4: 44% from the field 29 points on 25 shots
Game 5: 55.6% from the field 28 points on 18 shots

When you are the number 1 option and you’re scoring and efficiency falls in the WCF, that is a big deal. Contrast that with Luka who was Dallas’s number 1 option. Luka outscored Ant and was more efficient than an Ant in every game but game 4. You want to say Ant did not disappear, fine. But playoff Ant disappeared and left regular season Ant in his wake.

https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/d/doncilu01/gamelog/2024/

[Loaf_of_bread]

KD only makes sense for Rudy/DD/Randle and us acquiring another big.

That's too much imo.

[Slim Tubby]

How are you asking how it would be different here without saying we are similar to the Suns? It is literally the comparison YOU are making.

The Timberwolves have Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert, Jaden McDaniels, how is that at all similar and not significantly better and more balanced than the redundancy of Devin Booker and Bradley Beal? Jeez that was easy.

There is only one basketball. If KD takes shots those are shots not going to Naz, Jaden, DDV, ect… He may hit a couple more than someone else and grab a rebound or make an assist that Naz would not. But he costs 54 million. Which means you get worse on the 2nd line and worse down the road when you get to Ant’s prime. You also need to remember that KD is expiring. If we fail next year he can walk with no questions asked. If we give up valuable assets to acquire someone who just leaves then we are much worse off. Finally you guys forget that before the season everyone thought Mike was going to be last years Mike, but he was not. KD could lose a step in which case he is massively overpaid and we are missing the players we gave up. Look at PG for the 76ers. Big name with good history isn’t always worth huge money, especially in the 2nd apron era, and especially when we are already low in future assets. We cannot just replace guys we send out to acquire KD.

Finally, we are being tantalized by the current Ant, but he isn’t prime Ant yet. Prime Ant is the guy who probably wins a chip. Young Ant is the guy who disappears in the Dallas series and gets bounced. We need to plan for the future and build around Prime Ant. Not empty the coffers now trying to sneak a chip with young Ant and leave Prime Ant without the talent he needs.

25/9/8 on 43/41/75 shooting is "disappears"?

Game 1: 19/11/8
Game 2: 21/5/7
Game 3: 26/9/9
Game 4: 29/10/9
Game 5: 28/9/6

I'm not on the trade for KD train (unless we can steal him for like .20 on the dollar). But I can see how having a legit 2nd superstar on offense could make the game a lot easier on Ant.

Durant might be the only guy on the planet that Ant would willingly pass the ball to.

Randle, DDV and DET 1st for KD. It's an overpay considering Durant's age (and likely gets outbid) but I'd do it just to see what impact he would have on Ant's maturity as a player.

The extra media coverage would be nice, too.

Sent from my N152DL using RealGM mobile app

[winforlose]

There is only one basketball. If KD takes shots those are shots not going to Naz, Jaden, DDV, ect… He may hit a couple more than someone else and grab a rebound or make an assist that Naz would not. But he costs 54 million. Which means you get worse on the 2nd line and worse down the road when you get to Ant’s prime. You also need to remember that KD is expiring. If we fail next year he can walk with no questions asked. If we give up valuable assets to acquire someone who just leaves then we are much worse off. Finally you guys forget that before the season everyone thought Mike was going to be last years Mike, but he was not. KD could lose a step in which case he is massively overpaid and we are missing the players we gave up. Look at PG for the 76ers. Big name with good history isn’t always worth huge money, especially in the 2nd apron era, and especially when we are already low in future assets. We cannot just replace guys we send out to acquire KD.

Finally, we are being tantalized by the current Ant, but he isn’t prime Ant yet. Prime Ant is the guy who probably wins a chip. Young Ant is the guy who disappears in the Dallas series and gets bounced. We need to plan for the future and build around Prime Ant. Not empty the coffers now trying to sneak a chip with young Ant and leave Prime Ant without the talent he needs.

25/9/8 on 43/41/75 shooting is "disappears"?

Game 1: 19/11/8
Game 2: 21/5/7
Game 3: 26/9/9
Game 4: 29/10/9
Game 5: 28/9/6

I'm not on the trade for KD train (unless we can steal him for like .20 on the dollar). But I can see how having a legit 2nd superstar on offense could make the game a lot easier on Ant.

Durant might be the only guy on the planet that Ant would willingly pass the ball to.

Randle, DDV and DET 1st for KD. It's an overpay considering Durant's age (and likely gets outbid) but I'd do it just to see what impact he would have on Ant's maturity as a player.

The extra media coverage would be nice, too.

Sent from my N152DL using RealGM mobile app

KD costs 54, Randle is $31 million, DDV is $11,990,000. The money does not work. If Mike is willing to be traded or we are willing to break our promise to Mike, and add his $10,774,038 then we get close (Minott as well probably.) KD eats every penny of Randle’s savings which we planned to use to keep guys, and we add a hard cap for aggregating. Good luck paying Naz and NAW. Would you lose Randle, DDV, Mike. Minott, NAW, and a first in a solid draft just to acquire KD? Your starting five are Ant/KD/Jaden/Naz/Rudy. Your bench is Dilly/Clark/NAW/Shannon/Miller/ and 0 years of service minimums, and we have no money to make a move with. Oh by the way this is best case. Worst case is we lose Naz and NAW and now we are gutted.

[Slim Tubby]

25/9/8 on 43/41/75 shooting is "disappears"?

Game 1: 19/11/8
Game 2: 21/5/7
Game 3: 26/9/9
Game 4: 29/10/9
Game 5: 28/9/6

I'm not on the trade for KD train (unless we can steal him for like .20 on the dollar). But I can see how having a legit 2nd superstar on offense could make the game a lot easier on Ant.

Durant might be the only guy on the planet that Ant would willingly pass the ball to.

Randle, DDV and DET 1st for KD. It's an overpay considering Durant's age (and likely gets outbid) but I'd do it just to see what impact he would have on Ant's maturity as a player.

The extra media coverage would be nice, too.

Sent from my N152DL using RealGM mobile app

KD costs 54, Randle is $31 million, DDV is $11,990,000. The money does not work. If Mike is willing to be traded or we are willing to break our promise to Mike, and add his $10,774,038 then we get close (Minott as well probably.) KD eats every penny of Randle’s savings which we planned to use to keep guys, and we add a hard cap for aggregating. Good luck paying Naz and NAW. Would you lose Randle, DDV, Mike. Minott, NAW, and a first in a solid draft just to acquire KD? Your starting five are Ant/KD/Jaden/Naz/Rudy. Your bench is Dilly/Clark/NAW/Shannon/Miller/ and 0 years of service minimums, and we have no money to make a move with. Oh by the way this is best case. Worst case is we lose Naz and NAW and now we are gutted.

I'm not trying to re-create the wheel here...just giving my opinion on what amount of value I'd be comfortable sending out for KD.

Sent from my N152DL using RealGM mobile app

[minimus]

Durant might be the only guy on the planet that Ant would willingly pass the ball to.

Randle, DDV and DET 1st for KD. It's an overpay considering Durant's age (and likely gets outbid) but I'd do it just to see what impact he would have on Ant's maturity as a player.

The extra media coverage would be nice, too.

Yep. That would be my offer as well. I really like DDV but KD will bring some creativity as scorer which might unlock of opportunities to score easy points for others.

[Domejandro]

New Thread: viewtopic.php?f=22&t=2443477

Kevin Durant Discussion: viewtopic.php?f=22&t=2443330

[Klomp]

(might want to actually lock the thread down too )