Trade Talk (Part 16): Early Season Anxiety Edition

[Norseman79]

Assuming three things:

First, Minott belongs to rotation as defensive minded, high energy comboforward. Second, Ball stays healthy enough to play 20 mpg as backup PG. Finally, TC has confidence to resign NAW, Reid, Ball and Sharpe

MIN IN: Lonzo Ball, Day'Ron Sharpe, BRO SRP 2025
MIN OUT: Randle, DET FRP

CHI IN: Bogdanovic, Z.Williams, MIA SRP 2025
CHI OUT: Lonzo Ball

BRO IN: Randle, DET FRP
BRO OUT: Day'Ron Sharpe, Bogdanovic, Z.Williams, BRO SRP 2025, MIA SRP 2025

Gobert/Sharpe/Reid
Reid/Minott/McDaniels
McDaniels/NAW/Minott
Edwards/DDV/Ball + Clark
Ball/Conley/Dilly

2nd unit would be extremely small

[BlacJacMac]

Assuming three things:

First, Minott belongs to rotation as defensive minded, high energy comboforward. Second, Ball stays healthy enough to play 20 mpg as backup PG. Finally, TC has confidence to resign NAW, Reid, Ball and Sharpe

MIN IN: Lonzo Ball, Day'Ron Sharpe, BRO SRP 2025
MIN OUT: Randle, DET FRP

CHI IN: Bogdanovic, Z.Williams, MIA SRP 2025
CHI OUT: Lonzo Ball

BRO IN: Randle, DET FRP
BRO OUT: Day'Ron Sharpe, Bogdanovic, Z.Williams, BRO SRP 2025, MIA SRP 2025

Gobert/Sharpe/Reid
Reid/Minott/McDaniels
McDaniels/NAW/Minott
Edwards/DDV/Ball + Clark
Ball/Conley/Dilly

2nd unit would be extremely small

Just don't play 5 bench players at the same time.

[wolves_89]

Part of bigger trade, what do you think of this from wolves perspective ?

MIN
in : I. Stewart, K. Anderson, TOR 2025 2nd, WAS 2025 2nd, GSW 2nd
out : J. Randle, DET 2025 FRP (#14-#30)
---------------------------------
Why : MIN cut their losses with Randle and go back to the basics with 2 solid contributors who will help restore the defensive spirit of this team.
Stewart is young and under contract for 3 more years. He's a good rim protector with average 3pt skills. He will be a solid backup to Rudy and maybe a starter later if MIN decides to trade Gobert after this summer.
Slowmo was essential for Minni last year and he will help stabilise the bench by bringing some defence and playmaking.
The trade saves 9M in salary cap (and probably nearly 20-30M in effective payroll) for this year, and that should be enough for MIN to re-sign Naz Reid next year (but probably not enough to keep NAW).
The DET 1st is probably too much of a cost to dump Randle and get Stewart, but with two high second picks in exchange, it seems fair to me.
GSW give a 2nd to compensate Anderson contract.

DDV - ANT - McDaniels - Reid - Gobert
Conley - NAW - Slowmo - Stewart

I don't see any chance the Wolves would trade Randle+1st for Stewart+Anderson. I think that's very poor value and the money coming back means the team likely won't be able to re-sign at least one of Naz/NAW, both of who I would much rather have than Stewart/Anderson.

[winforlose]

Assuming three things:

First, Minott belongs to rotation as defensive minded, high energy comboforward. Second, Ball stays healthy enough to play 20 mpg as backup PG. Finally, TC has confidence to resign NAW, Reid, Ball and Sharpe

MIN IN: Lonzo Ball, Day'Ron Sharpe, BRO SRP 2025
MIN OUT: Randle, DET FRP

CHI IN: Bogdanovic, Z.Williams, MIA SRP 2025
CHI OUT: Lonzo Ball

BRO IN: Randle, DET FRP
BRO OUT: Day'Ron Sharpe, Bogdanovic, Z.Williams, BRO SRP 2025, MIA SRP 2025

Gobert/Sharpe/Reid
Reid/Minott/McDaniels
McDaniels/NAW/Minott
Edwards/DDV/Ball + Clark
Ball/Conley/Dilly

1. Minott’s biggest issues are on defense. He gets lost in the scheme, blown past by faster guards, and shows low BBIQ in transition. This is why Finch said before the season in summer league they wanted Minott to show a defensive leap, especially one on one. It will take time and minutes to develop, and judging by Finch pulling him after 4:31 yesterday, the growing pains are not acceptable at this point. In Finch’s defense he was a -8, but also fair to point out he usually is a + player.

2. If Ball plays 20 MPG in the playoffs that means Mike is playing 28 or we lack a PG for some period of time. Playoff basketball assumes I higher level of defense, playing Lonzo plus Rudy means a poor level of offense, and that is before we talk about Jaden. When talking about Ball be careful what you wish for, we just might get him.


3. Confidence to resign either Naz or NAW is a bit of a misnomer when we don’t know who ownership will be or if TC will use his opt out. Who knows if the ownership drama even resolves by the deadline. This kind of instability undermines this kind of certainty.

[shrink]

A poster on the Trade Board suggested sending us back Kyle Anderson. Yes, I know it’s probably illegal, but it got me thinking.

When we changed from D’Angelo Russell to Mike Conley, we started to win games almost immediately. DLo isn’t much worse overall than Conley, and maybe even better, but the team was much better with Mike. When MIN would struggle the last two seasons, Finch would often insert Kyle Anderson. SloMo isn’t particularly talented, and his lack of spacing is a severe problem for us, but the team was better. Is there something else going on?

Maybe it isn’t about their talent level. We generally compete well against the most talented teams in the league, so maybe we have enough talent. Is it possible that Conley and SloMo kept the team, particularly Ant, focused on the task at hand? Both would make smart plays, and help break up opponents’ runs before they would get out of hand. They were both leaders off the court as well.

If this is true, this may be good news for MIN. Acquiring highly talented players costs a lot of assets, and our piggy bank is pretty bare. But if we can cheaply get a big team boost from a less-talented player that can keep the team focused, that addition might pay big dividends. I’m trying to think of a decent vet starter at PG that follows Finch’s game plan, and doesn’t make mistakes. A Tyus Jones type of player, but one with enough leadership that Ant would listen. Maybe like a Chris Paul? I don’t know.

Is that crazy? If not, do any names come to mind?

[winforlose]

A poster on the Trade Board suggested sending us back Kyle Anderson. Yes, I know it’s probably illegal, but it got me thinking.

When we changed from D’Angelo Russell to Mike Conley, we started to win games almost immediately. DLo isn’t much worse overall than Conley, and maybe even better, but the team was much better with Mike. When MIN would struggle the last two seasons, Finch would often insert Kyle Anderson. SloMo isn’t particularly talented, and his lack of spacing is a severe problem for us, but the team was better. Is there something else going on?

Maybe it isn’t about their talent level. We generally compete well against the most talented teams in the league, so maybe we have enough talent. Is it possible that Conley and SloMo kept the team, particularly Ant, focused on the task at hand? Both would make smart plays, and help break up opponents’ runs before they would get out of hand. They were both leaders off the court as well.

If this is true, this may be good news for MIN. Acquiring highly talented players costs a lot of assets, and our piggy bank is pretty bare. But if we can cheaply get a big team boost from a less-talented player that can keep the team focused, that addition might pay big dividends. I’m trying to think of a decent vet starter at PG that follows Finch’s game plan, and doesn’t make mistakes. A Tyus Jones type of player, but one with enough leadership that Ant would listen. Maybe like a Chris Paul? I don’t know.

Is that crazy? If not, do any names come to mind?

1. I still think losing Kyle is the best possible thing for this team. I think we got MUCH better for him not being here precisely because Finch used him despite his horrific offense and at times over rated defense.

2. I would seriously consider trading Jingles and the Det first for Jose Alverado. I think it is a slight overpay by us and maybe we get a second back. But Jose would be huge for us.

[m2002brian]

It may be rather unpopular due to having Rudy and most obviously his health…but Zion and Ant seem like such a great fit.

[shrink]

I’m not advocating SloMo, but a player like SloMo. Finch would insert him for playmaking and to stop opponents’ runs, and he was good at that. For the record, his Net Rtg last year was +5.1.

So let me get even crazier. I feel we are well past the days of the Pat Beverley show, but he is someone Ant listens to, and he’s still playing ball, just over in Tel Aviv. I’ve moved on, but would he be too much of a distraction if we signed him for the rest of the season for a small role?

BTW, I looked through NBA stats this year to see which players have high assists and low turnovers, to see if we could find a playmaker who wasn’t necessarily a PG. I was surprised to see the #1 guy in the NBA is .. Joe Ingles! I know he’s probably a traffic cone on defense, but when we don’t have an offensive spark, can we use him for more than two seconds a game? Offensively, he spreads the court, and can make passes, even hard ones like feeding Gobert. Could he be used as an offensive version of SloMo? Ant would have to listen, or Joe would punch him in the jaw after the game, (but then take him out for a beer).

Ant asks Ricky Rubio to unretire, and help him for just 6 months?

[Klomp]

I’m not advocating SloMo, but a player like SloMo. Finch would insert him for playmaking and to stop opponents’ runs, and he was good at that. For the record, his Net Rtg last year was +5.1.

So let me get even crazier. I feel we are well past the days of the Pat Beverley show, but he is someone Ant listens to, and he’s still playing ball, just over in Tel Aviv. I’ve moved on, but would he be too much of a distraction if we signed him for the rest of the season for a small role?

BTW, I looked through NBA stats this year to see which players have high assists and low turnovers, to see if we could find a playmaker who wasn’t necessarily a PG. I was surprised to see the #1 guy in the NBA is .. Joe Ingles! I know he’s probably a traffic cone on defense, but when we don’t have an offensive spark, can we use him for more than two seconds a game? Offensively, he spreads the court, and can make passes, even hard ones like feeding Gobert. Could he be used as an offensive version of SloMo? Ant would have to listen, or Joe would punch him in the jaw after the game, (but then take him out for a beer).

This is part of the Lonzo Ball thing for me. There aren't many dudes out there like that though.

I think KCP could be a sneaky option here. Has the UGA connection to Ant. And deep ties with our front office. And he's a big guard, which Finch likes. Don't know that Orlando is rushing to trade him though.

[winforlose]

I’m not advocating SloMo, but a player like SloMo. Finch would insert him for playmaking and to stop opponents’ runs, and he was good at that. For the record, his Net Rtg last year was +5.1.

So let me get even crazier. I feel we are well past the days of the Pat Beverley show, but he is someone Ant listens to, and he’s still playing ball, just over in Tel Aviv. I’ve moved on, but would he be too much of a distraction if we signed him for the rest of the season for a small role?

BTW, I looked through NBA stats this year to see which players have high assists and low turnovers, to see if we could find a playmaker who wasn’t necessarily a PG. I was surprised to see the #1 guy in the NBA is .. Joe Ingles! I know he’s probably a traffic cone on defense, but when we don’t have an offensive spark, can we use him for more than two seconds a game? Offensively, he spreads the court, and can make passes, even hard ones like feeding Gobert. Could he be used as an offensive version of SloMo? Ant would have to listen, or Joe would punch him in the jaw after the game, (but then take him out for a beer).

This is part of the Lonzo Ball thing for me. There aren't many dudes out there like that though.

I think KCP could be a sneaky option here. Has the UGA connection to Ant. And deep ties with our front office. And he's a big guard, which Finch likes. Don't know that Orlando is rushing to trade him though.

KCP is 22 then 21. Even letting NAW walk we still are very wing heavy, lack PG and C depth, and now lack the contract to move acquire that depth.

[Klomp]

KCP is 22 then 21. Even letting NAW walk we still are very wing heavy, lack PG and C depth, and now lack the contract to move acquire that depth.

I'm just answering the question.

[winforlose]

KCP is 22 then 21. Even letting NAW walk we still are very wing heavy, lack PG and C depth, and now lack the contract to move acquire that depth.

I'm just answering the question.

Say it with me and try and imagine it as a chant/jingle, “Jose, Jose, Jose!” This might help

Watch on YouTube

[Klomp]

KCP is 22 then 21. Even letting NAW walk we still are very wing heavy, lack PG and C depth, and now lack the contract to move acquire that depth.

I'm just answering the question.

Say it with me and try and imagine it as a chant/jingle, “Jose, Jose, Jose!”

Sure, Alvarado would be a fun acquisition. I actually thought about that during the course of the game. But the question was about finding guys who Ant will listen to. It also has to be a good enough player that Finch would reasonably "sign off" on the deal. And it has to be a decent enough asset involved for Connelly to say yes. Put all of those things together, and it becomes very difficult to find a trade partner that fits all of those parameters while also being a deal that the other franchise wants to do as well.

[winforlose]

I'm just answering the question.

Say it with me and try and imagine it as a chant/jingle, “Jose, Jose, Jose!”

Sure, Alvarado would be a fun acquisition. I actually thought about that during the course of the game. But the question was about finding guys who Ant will listen to. It also has to be a good enough player that Finch would reasonably "sign off" on the deal. And it has to be a decent enough asset involved for Connelly to say yes. Put all of those things together, and it becomes very difficult to find a trade partner that fits all of those parameters while also being a deal that the other franchise wants to do as well.

The Detroit first is an overpay, but he fits the timeline, eliminates the need for NAW, and we can reevaluate his contract when his option is up in 26/27. We add yet another POA defender, a guy whose AST/TO is more than 4/1, and who can hit the 3. Why wouldn’t Finch want him?

[Klomp]

NAW for Jose + Theis works. Wonder if we'd need a third team for NAW though.

[winforlose]

NAW for Jose + Theis works. Wonder if we'd need a third team for NAW though.

Don’t even need to go that far. Jingles for Jose straight up.

[minimus]

Assuming three things:

First, Minott belongs to rotation as defensive minded, high energy comboforward. Second, Ball stays healthy enough to play 20 mpg as backup PG. Finally, TC has confidence to resign NAW, Reid, Ball and Sharpe

MIN IN: Lonzo Ball, Day'Ron Sharpe, BRO SRP 2025
MIN OUT: Randle, DET FRP

CHI IN: Bogdanovic, Z.Williams, MIA SRP 2025
CHI OUT: Lonzo Ball

BRO IN: Randle, DET FRP
BRO OUT: Day'Ron Sharpe, Bogdanovic, Z.Williams, BRO SRP 2025, MIA SRP 2025

Gobert/Sharpe/Reid
Reid/Minott/McDaniels
McDaniels/NAW/Minott
Edwards/DDV/Ball + Clark
Ball/Conley/Dilly

1. Minott’s biggest issues are on defense. He gets lost in the scheme, blown past by faster guards, and shows low BBIQ in transition. This is why Finch said before the season in summer league they wanted Minott to show a defensive leap, especially one on one. It will take time and minutes to develop, and judging by Finch pulling him after 4:31 yesterday, the growing pains are not acceptable at this point. In Finch’s defense he was a -8, but also fair to point out he usually is a + player.

2. If Ball plays 20 MPG in the playoffs that means Mike is playing 28 or we lack a PG for some period of time. Playoff basketball assumes I higher level of defense, playing Lonzo plus Rudy means a poor level of offense, and that is before we talk about Jaden. When talking about Ball be careful what you wish for, we just might get him.

3. Confidence to resign either Naz or NAW is a bit of a misnomer when we don’t know who ownership will be or if TC will use his opt out. Who knows if the ownership drama even resolves by the deadline. This kind of instability undermines this kind of certainty.

1. Yeah, Minott basically plays his first year in organised high level basketball. I would say that he lacks experience, not necessary IQ. But, I dont have any problem with Minott playing 10-15 minutes as long as he signed on team friendly deal

2. I am not concern with Lonzo offense at all. First, I dont think he is a 20 mil per year star player. He is more a role player at this point of his career. His role would be defense, offensive executio, being connective tissue both in offense and defense, being connective tissue between transition defense and offense. Second, someone brought here Kyle Anderson role as example and 100% agree with it. Lonzo can fit in this role, especially now with DDV and Reid playing bigger role as scorers.

3. Yeah, owner situation is unclear, but something tells that regardless of owner, MIN frontoffice will try go under luxury tax line to avoid repeater tax. At this point I am kind of prefer that we flip Randle for expiring contract like Ball.

[Kineto]

I’m not advocating SloMo, but a player like SloMo. Finch would insert him for playmaking and to stop opponents’ runs, and he was good at that. For the record, his Net Rtg last year was +5.1.

So let me get even crazier. I feel we are well past the days of the Pat Beverley show, but he is someone Ant listens to, and he’s still playing ball, just over in Tel Aviv. I’ve moved on, but would he be too much of a distraction if we signed him for the rest of the season for a small role?

BTW, I looked through NBA stats this year to see which players have high assists and low turnovers, to see if we could find a playmaker who wasn’t necessarily a PG. I was surprised to see the #1 guy in the NBA is .. Joe Ingles! I know he’s probably a traffic cone on defense, but when we don’t have an offensive spark, can we use him for more than two seconds a game? Offensively, he spreads the court, and can make passes, even hard ones like feeding Gobert. Could he be used as an offensive version of SloMo? Ant would have to listen, or Joe would punch him in the jaw after the game, (but then take him out for a beer).

Ant asks Ricky Rubio to unretire, and help him for just 6 months?

A player like nic batum seem to fit that mold, but i dont think LAC trade him

[Norseman79]

Chicago out: Ball, Buzelis, Vucevic
In: Randle, Bridges

Charlotte in: Ball, Vucevic
Out: Mann, Bridges, Richards

MN out: Randle
In: Mann, Richards, Buzelis, Duarte

Mann, sample size before contract expires. PG

Richards, sample before contract expires. C

Duarte - expiring

Buzelis is a legit SF prospect to play/develop which allows Minott/Miller trades to be easier.

PG - Mann, Conley, Dilliy
SG - Edwards, DD, NAW, Clark, Shannon
SF - McDaniels, Buzelis,
PF - Reid, Minott, Miller
C. - Gobert, Richards, Garza

Waive Ingles and Edwards

[Klomp]

NAW for Jose + Theis works. Wonder if we'd need a third team for NAW though.

Don’t even need to go that far. Jingles for Jose straight up.

0.0000000000% chance New Orleans does that.