Trade Talk (Part 15): Trade Deadline Day (and onwards!)

[KATKlownFeet]

I'm ok with running the team back, but before I make a major trade, I'd want a new coach as I think a top coach could get this team further than Finch. I'm not negative on KAT because he is still a major talent, but his BB IQ is not where it needs to be. Maybe another coach can utilize him better. I'm open to a Kat trade, but I'd want an equal talent back.

I'm also for making trades that strengthen our bench. Going into the season, I thought the Wolves could have the best bench in the league. Naz, NAW and SloMo were returning and we added Shake and Troy Brown who impressed in their previous stints. Finch really mismanaged the bench all season. We should have rested guys more, especially Conley. Guys who are new to a team that have past success need to be integrated into the team with some level of patience. Also, Monte is another guy I liked but who never got the minutes I wanted him to have and he isn't even getting playoff minutes when guys like NAW are playing like deadweight. With that said I'd love to get Tyus Jones back. In fact, he's a guy I never wanted to see leave. He's a steady hand who keeps improving his game and shot over 40% from 3s

[cmoss84]

Of course professional athletes say they want to win a championship or else the season is a failure. But in reality, finishing top 4 in any sport is pretty damn good.
Rudy was amazing for us this year. And without his trade, the Conley/NAW trade probably never happens.
We don't know who would return more in a trade between KAT and Rudy. Probably what it comes down to this off-season. I'm guessing KAT is gone.

[jpatrick]

I think if I’m guessing, we run it back next year. I don’t think Rudy is being moved. He’s a hard fit for a lot of teams, as more teams go five out. He’s older. His contract is huge. Plus, if I’m being honest, I think he’s more valuable to this team.

I’d be open to moving KAT in the right deal. That right deal is hard though. KAT is a #2 option (maybe #3 on a true championship team) that will make 62m in a couple years. He’s a defensive liability as a big unless he has a shot blocker to back him up. And he struggles to shot create at times, and I think he gets in his head too much to be really dependable at the biggest moments.

That said, if we move him, we need another big that is a knock down shooter because Rudy is a non-shooter. You’d need a #2 scorer. And you’d hope to save some money and/or get younger. That’s going to be really difficult because there will be a limited market due to that contract.

I’d try and go younger and hope to get lucky. Would the Rockets move Jabari Smith and a pick or two (Reed Sheppard?). Hawks and Jalen Johnson? To me, the team that could really use a shooting big is Detroit. KAT to Detroit. Ivey to Houston. Jabari Smith, #5 pick, and salary filler to MN? Just spitballing.

Like I said, most likely is we bring everyone back.

[Wolves21]

Gotta love how people flip flop on players and the team in a matter of one series or week.I've stated for years that Towns should be trade and also McDaniels as well and will continue to stand by those statements no matter how this season ends or even next season goes.

The goal should be to find a legit running mate long term with Edwards at whatever cost.You have two all nba players together along side resign Naz Reid next off season(he'll get a massive payday and can easly see him making $25M to $30M per season) and you can figure out the rest and be a legit contender.

Again money wise this team of Edwards,Towns,Gobert,McDaniels and Reid can't stay together long term even if you wanted them to do to the money it'll take.Better to move on now then when you have zero options next offseason.

I think we should be looking at bring in and all star caliber PG as our legit second star to go along with Edwards.Rumored that a few young PG are on the trading block with Young,Murray,Garland..ect now which one would fit with Edwards the best not sure but think of the rumored players on the block Garland should be the target.

[jpatrick]

Gotta love how people flip flop on players and the team in a matter of one series or week.I've stated for years that Towns should be trade and also McDaniels as well and will continue to stand by those statements no matter how this season ends or even next season goes.

The goal should be to find a legit running mate long term with Edwards at whatever cost.You have two all nba players together along side resign Naz Reid next off season(he'll get a massive payday and can easly see him making $25M to $30M per season) and you can figure out the rest and be a legit contender.

Again money wise this team of Edwards,Towns,Gobert,McDaniels and Reid can't stay together long term even if you wanted them to do to the money it'll take.Better to move on now then when you have zero options next offseason.

I think we should be looking at bring in and all star caliber PG as our legit second star to go along with Edwards.Rumored that a few young PG are on the trading block with Young,Murray,Garland..ect now which one would fit with Edwards the best not sure but think of the rumored players on the block Garland should be the target.

Cleveland is interesting. Rumor is that Allen will be moved. A Towns/Mobley front court would be great together. Can Mitchell play the point? Would they move Garland without getting a PG back? Can they get a PG in a separate Allen deal? And of course, Garland doesn’t get moved unless Mitchell signs an extension.

Maybe most importantly, would Garland want to come here? It appears he doesn’t like Mitchell having the ball most of the time. How’d feel about Ant? And not that this is the biggest thing but how will Conley (and the team) feel about him being moved to a bench role?

If Cavs don’t want to move Allen and want a wing, KAT to Pels, Ingram to Cavs, Garland to Wolves? Zion desperately needs a shooting big next to him.

[cmoss84]

I have no interest in trading NAZ, Ant, or Jaden. Would hate to give up NAW...but would do so in the appropriate trade.
For example, KAT and NAW
FOR
Cunningham and Fornier.

[younggunsmn]

Would yall be interested in Dejounte and Capela for KAT?

Absolutely but you have to find a 3rd team to absorb Capela without sending salary back.

[younggunsmn]

New Det GM looking to make a splash could be an interesting destination too.
Would LOVE to get my hands on Duren or Ivey.

[cmoss84]

I proposed Ivey earlier in year and it got pooed on.
Would prefer Cunningham...but I like Ivey a lot.

[jpatrick]

New Det GM looking to make a splash could be an interesting destination too.
Would LOVE to get my hands on Duren or Ivey.

Duren not a fit with Gobert, at all. May not be a fit with Towns either, as Pistons fans feel he provides little rim protection. I like Ivey, just not sure of the fit. I’ve seen the Pistons too much the past couple years. He plays much more like a poor man’s Ant than any kind of point guard. And he struggles to play off the ball, which is why his stretches of playing well have generally been with Cade out. I don’t see a good fit with Ant here.

Love Cade as a #2 option here. But no way are the Pistons going to move on from the closest thing to a franchise player for someone, like KAT, that is no longer young, is expensive, and has made abundantly clear he’s not a #1 on a good team.

As a side note, what I’d give to get Nembhard on this team. He’s so good. I’m sure untouchable. But love watching him play.

[Domejandro]

I don't think Utah would be too jazzed (pun unintended) about trading Lauri Markkanen, but in the event they considered it...

BRK: Karl-Anthony Towns
OUT: Ben Simmons and a bunch of picks

MIN: Lauri Markkanen
OUT: Karl-Anthony Towns

UTA: Ben Simmons and a bunch of picks
OUT: Lauri Markkanen

Shave off thirty million next season, delaying the inevitable Repeater-Tax explosion. Get a more catch-and-shoot orientated player who runs the floor better. Minnesota would have a solid chunk of the MLE to hunt for an impact player.


Alternatively, I could see a world where Minnesota trades for a solid amount of pick compensation and Utah ships Minnesota John Collins as a rotational replacement.

[Wolveswin]

I proposed Ivey earlier in year and it got pooed on.
Would prefer Cunningham...but I like Ivey a lot.

To Hawks: Towns + Pistons Filler

To Pistons: Trae + Hunter

To Wolves: Cade + Capela

If Hawks feel Trae needs a fresh start - enter Pistons who get a proven franchise player who is young and locked in. That filler will need to be something good - Ivey is probably overkill, but maybe with some Hawks asset back.

I like Cade a lot more than Trae next to Edwards.

[cmoss84]

New Det GM looking to make a splash could be an interesting destination too.
Would LOVE to get my hands on Duren or Ivey.

Duren not a fit with Gobert, at all. May not be a fit with Towns either, as Pistons fans feel he provides little rim protection. I like Ivey, just not sure of the fit. I’ve seen the Pistons too much the past couple years. He plays much more like a poor man’s Ant than any kind of point guard. And he struggles to play off the ball, which is why his stretches of playing well have generally been with Cade out. I don’t see a good fit with Ant here.

Love Cade as a #2 option here. But no way are the Pistons going to move on from the closest thing to a franchise player for someone, like KAT, that is no longer young, is expensive, and has made abundantly clear he’s not a #1 on a good team.

As a side note, what I’d give to get Nembhard on this team. He’s so good. I’m sure untouchable. But love watching him play.

Indiana and Detroit definitely have some decisions to make!

[Wolves21]

Gotta love how people flip flop on players and the team in a matter of one series or week.I've stated for years that Towns should be trade and also McDaniels as well and will continue to stand by those statements no matter how this season ends or even next season goes.

The goal should be to find a legit running mate long term with Edwards at whatever cost.You have two all nba players together along side resign Naz Reid next off season(he'll get a massive payday and can easly see him making $25M to $30M per season) and you can figure out the rest and be a legit contender.

Again money wise this team of Edwards,Towns,Gobert,McDaniels and Reid can't stay together long term even if you wanted them to do to the money it'll take.Better to move on now then when you have zero options next offseason.

I think we should be looking at bring in and all star caliber PG as our legit second star to go along with Edwards.Rumored that a few young PG are on the trading block with Young,Murray,Garland..ect now which one would fit with Edwards the best not sure but think of the rumored players on the block Garland should be the target.

Cleveland is interesting. Rumor is that Allen will be moved. A Towns/Mobley front court would be great together. Can Mitchell play the point? Would they move Garland without getting a PG back? Can they get a PG in a separate Allen deal? And of course, Garland doesn’t get moved unless Mitchell signs an extension.

Maybe most importantly, would Garland want to come here? It appears he doesn’t like Mitchell having the ball most of the time. How’d feel about Ant? And not that this is the biggest thing but how will Conley (and the team) feel about him being moved to a bench role?

If Cavs don’t want to move Allen and want a wing, KAT to Pels, Ingram to Cavs, Garland to Wolves? Zion desperately needs a shooting big next to him.

I think the Cavs could get a starting caliber PG back in a Allen trade or at the very least with a 1st round pick coming back this year could draft one to go along side Mitchelle/Towns/Mobley and would have a light workload on their shoulders.

As far as the Wolves side goes Conley at soon to be 37 should be coming off the bench and highly doubt he would have a issue with it in his final season or two.But do think like you stated could be and issue with Garland not having the ball in his hands as much running along side Edwards.But on the plus side and why I think it could work long term is Edwards isn't a ball hog at all and is always willing to move the ball around and to get his teammates involved unlike Mitchelle.

Think the only players on the roster that I would tend to not want to trade moving forward are Edwards/Reid/NAW everyone else should be on the block if it can improve the team long term and also reduce salary.

[Guest84]

I know everyone is concerned about the cap. We also need a future pg. Question, if Boston loses in the finals again do you think they consider moving anyone? Could/would/should a Towns or Rudy/Jaden package be considered for Jaylen Brown? I feel like he'd be the one player Bos would move if things don't work.

I do like the Pistons, Hawks, and some other unnamed teams (more research needed) for potential partners as well.

[shrink]

2022-23 was a good season by MIN’s standards, but the Wolves still took in nearly $100 mil less than the average NBA team. Part of this is public wariness in a franchise who has disappointed for years, but that’s getting better. The other major component is having the second oldest arena in the NBA, behind only MSG. A new arena costs money, but it is a chance to print dollar bills. Right now the owners need to find the dimes to pay lux taxes, and the team needs to keep winning to ask the public for free quarters.

It’s possible that ownership will be unwilling, or unable, to give up their dimes and consider cutting payroll. But a successful season where we even bring in average revenues would pay most of the lux taxes - if we don’t cut talent for young players and picks and stay successful. Moreover, every team in the NBA will soon be getting a big $300 mil+ expansion check. I think MIN (and most other team’s) desire to cut lux taxes is being overstated with big windfalls on the way, and the fact that 10 teams (including us) have made transactions that put them heavily over the lux seems to indicate spending is here to stay.

[yojimbo]

Part of me thinks the dueling owners will want to keep the team focused on winning now as a way to curry favor with the fans - sort of like divorcing parents indulging their kids to buy affection.

[minimus]

These are little things, but without these little things our offense wont be able to get 100% from our personnel. Also I can see how a true movement shooter can make difference. Reid has shared load as movement shooter, Towns has had these moment in last game, but what if we get someone who can play 100% of time moving off the ball and shoot open threes?

This is why...if a trade with Atlanta were to happen (talking Towns here probably, not Gobert), instead of the expiring Capela I might actually target Bogdan Bogdanovic (who I believe we had reported deadline interest in)

It looks like ATL is the only trade partner that makes sense for MIN because:

- ATL have #1 pick
- ATL have expiring contract (Capela)
- ATL have players on contract that can impact the game DJM, Bogdanovic
- ATL play in East
- ATL have a void at С

One thing that might be interesting is to get Bogdanovic to play pseudo backup ballhandler / big shooter at PG.

Something like Towns, Moore for Capela, Bogdanovic + #1 pick (I assume it is Sarr)

Gobert/Capela/Reid
Reid/Sarr/Miller
McDaniels/Bogdanovic/Minott
Edwards/NAW/Clark
Conley/Bogdanovic/Morris

[wolves_89]

Would yall be interested in Dejounte and Capela for KAT?

No. The deal makes the Wolves a worse team without saving money.

[Colbinii]

You guys trading Towns for mediocre offensive players when we are a mediocre offense just makes this team have a lower ceiling since the offense gets worse.

It's why the ideal trade(s) are for players like Trae Young or other offensive savants.