Are we done making moves?

[Klomp]

I'm loving this stockpiling that we are doing! But I still can't help but wonder if the stockpile is to allow us to replenish for a potential move. Nothing major, but I still can't help but look at the three players who have question marks about their longterm security.

The biggest ones I wonder about are Reid and Nowell. We've hyped up Nowell, but at the same time stockpiled at the guard position with Rivers and Forbes. Reid hasn't had much buzz this summer, not sure why that is. But adding Gobert makes it harder to see a path to minutes at C, and PF will have competition at the back end of the roster with Knight, Paschall and Garza factoring in at both post positions. I know Paschall and Garza don't have NBA contracts, but they easily could. Even Elleby can factor in at PF.

All this stockpiling just makes me wonder if we could see a trade of one or both of these guys in order to replenish the draft cupboard.

[winforlose]

I'm loving this stockpiling that we are doing! But I still can't help but wonder if the stockpile is to allow us to replenish for a potential move. Nothing major, but I still can't help but look at the three players who have question marks about their longterm security.

The biggest ones I wonder about are Reid and Nowell. We've hyped up Nowell, but at the same time stockpiled at the guard position with Rivers and Forbes. Reid hasn't had much buzz this summer, not sure why that is. But adding Gobert makes it harder to see a path to minutes at C, and PF will have competition at the back end of the roster with Knight, Paschall and Garza factoring in at both post positions. I know Paschall and Garza don't have NBA contracts, but they easily could. Even Elleby can factor in at PF.

All this stockpiling just makes me wonder if we could see a trade of one or both of these guys in order to replenish the draft cupboard.

Every team does exhibit 10s to get a good look at fringe NBA guys and to increase the bodies at camp. I don’t think CJ or Luka really factor into our long term plans. I do think we make a trade at the deadline to open a roster spot to play in the buyout market. As for preseason, I could see Naz to Hornets for picks. Beyond that not sure we do much. Though if we did something it would likely center around Dlo.

[Dewey]

I'm loving this stockpiling that we are doing! But I still can't help but wonder if the stockpile is to allow us to replenish for a potential move. Nothing major, but I still can't help but look at the three players who have question marks about their longterm security.

The biggest ones I wonder about are Reid and Nowell. We've hyped up Nowell, but at the same time stockpiled at the guard position with Rivers and Forbes. Reid hasn't had much buzz this summer, not sure why that is. But adding Gobert makes it harder to see a path to minutes at C, and PF will have competition at the back end of the roster with Knight, Paschall and Garza factoring in at both post positions. I know Paschall and Garza don't have NBA contracts, but they easily could. Even Elleby can factor in at PF.

All this stockpiling just makes me wonder if we could see a trade of one or both of these guys in order to replenish the draft cupboard.

IMO it’s partly due the fact we want the competition and partly the desire for options when it comes to player-fit around Gobert, KAT, ANT, etc…

Big picture: If we can get 1-2 of these youngsters to stick and gain any/some NBA exposure, it will help alleviate the reduction in draft capital

[Klomp]

I'm loving this stockpiling that we are doing! But I still can't help but wonder if the stockpile is to allow us to replenish for a potential move. Nothing major, but I still can't help but look at the three players who have question marks about their longterm security.

The biggest ones I wonder about are Reid and Nowell. We've hyped up Nowell, but at the same time stockpiled at the guard position with Rivers and Forbes. Reid hasn't had much buzz this summer, not sure why that is. But adding Gobert makes it harder to see a path to minutes at C, and PF will have competition at the back end of the roster with Knight, Paschall and Garza factoring in at both post positions. I know Paschall and Garza don't have NBA contracts, but they easily could. Even Elleby can factor in at PF.

All this stockpiling just makes me wonder if we could see a trade of one or both of these guys in order to replenish the draft cupboard.

Every team does exhibit 10s to get a good look at fringe NBA guys and to increase the bodies at camp. I don’t think CJ or Luka really factor into our long term plans. I do think we make a trade at the deadline to open a roster spot to play in the buyout market. As for preseason, I could see Naz to Hornets for picks. Beyond that not sure we do much. Though if we did something it would likely center around Dlo.

Of course everyone does Exhibit 10s, but not everyone has the amount of quality in them that we have.

Who were ours last year? Jordan Murphy, Isaiah Miller, Brian Bowen II, Matt Lewis, Chris Silva. I don't believe any will be in an NBA training camp this year. One of our two-ways last year McKinley Wright has downgraded to an Exhibit 10.

[minimus]

This. I think this year our gleague team in Iowa is a very important piece going forward. Remember that Kroenke was so greedy, so DEN got gleague team just one (!!!) year ago. Hopefully now TC has much more resources to make this team better. Moore, Minott, Pascal, Garza. They all might become very useful pieces in very near future.

[winforlose]

This. I think this year our gleague team in Iowa is a very important piece going forward. Remember that Kroenke was so greedy, so DEN got gleague team just one (!!!) year ago. Hopefully now TC has much more resources to make this team better. Moore, Minott, Pascal, Garza. They all might become very useful pieces in very near future.

Iowa is gonna be very fun this year. Could see Knight spend time there as well. Also you forgot Lawson who should be good there as well.

[shrink]

I don’t expect any major moves right now, but I think you are identifying a process which gives Connelly the freedom to make a future consolidation move in the future, with players ready to fill in bench spots.

One of the advantages to having our own minor league basketball team is to get players used to our team’s system, and for them to learn to play with each other. One of the strengths of Gersson Rosas was his eye for young talent. In 2019-20, Jordan McLaughlin, Jaylen Nowell, Naz Reid, and even Jarred Vanderbilt all got a chance to play together down in Iowa and develop. When openings arose on the Wolves and they got called up, they had some chemistry and were often brought in together on our second unit.

Perhaps Connelly’s greatest strength is his eye for young talent as well. Consolidation trades like the Gobert deal does more than concentrate talent - it creates minutes that are opportunities for young players to show they are NBA caliber. By loading up the G-League affiliate with potential NBA players, you are right that he creates the possibility for future consolidation trades, as well as trades for value, like future picks (like moving Naz solo for a pick).

I am very pleased to hear the names that Connelly has been able to nab, and I think this can only help the parent club down the road.

[Nick K]

I don’t expect any major moves right now, but I think you are identifying a process which gives Connelly the freedom to make a future consolidation move in the future, with players ready to fill in bench spots.

One of the advantages to having our own minor league basketball team is to get players used to our team’s system, and for them to learn to play with each other. One of the strengths of Gersson Rosas was his eye for young talent. In 2019-20, Jordan McLaughlin, Jaylen Nowell, Naz Reid, and even Jarred Vanderbilt all got a chance to play together down in Iowa and develop. When openings arose on the Wolves and they got called up, they had some chemistry and were often brought in together on our second unit.

Perhaps Connelly’s greatest strength is his eye for young talent as well. Consolidation trades like the Gobert deal does more than concentrate talent - it creates minutes that are opportunities for young players to show they are NBA caliber. By loading up the G-League affiliate with potential NBA players, you are right that he creates the possibility for future consolidation trades, as well as trades for value, like future picks (like moving Naz solo for a pick).

I am very pleased to hear the names that Connelly has been able to nab, and I think this can only help the parent club down the road.

I agree with everything here. I love the Garza get as he will push Reid and Knight. Competition is so important to push guys to get better. Nowell is going to feel it. Let's see how he responds.

I'm still stunned at seeing one great move after another by this management. After 32 years of incompetence it's an amazing feeling seeing this.

This roster is so much better than last year it is astonishing. Skill, maturity, balance and a coach who will relish in putting it all together. WOW! I'm sold and psyched.

[frankenwolf]

I'm still stunned at seeing one great move after another by this management. After 32 years of incompetence it's an amazing feeling seeing this.

^^ This is my feeling also. There is still in the back of my mind a little voice that says "Wait for it to be Wolvesed up" but that voice is growing fainter the past year.

[NebWolvesFan]

I still would not be surprised if Reid is moved. He is the perfect mix of "he has a market" and "he might not play much." If the Wolves could get even a couple second round picks that would help.

I also don't feel like Knight is a lock to be on the team on opening night. He could be this year's Hollis-Jefferson and be cut if he doesn't show out. I doubt Knight wants to be on a two-way for a third straight year, so if Paschall or even Garza beats him out, he could be decide to go elsewhere.

I wouldn't be shocked if Garza has a better camp than Knight. Garza is extremely skilled offensively (defense is a problem) and Finch is an offensive coach. While Garza likely spends the year in Des Moines, I wouldn't be surprised if Finch falls in love with his scoring ability.

[BlacJacMac]

Canis has an interesting piece today, breaking down the battle for the 15th roster spot, along with the 2-ways, Exhibt 10s and potential G League players:

https://www.canishoopus.com/2022/8/24/23318615/minnesota-timberwolves-add-front-court-depth-with-forwards-cj-elleby-and-luka-garza-nba

[winforlose]

Canis has an interesting piece today, breaking down the battle for the 15th roster spot, along with the 2-ways, Exhibt 10s and potential G League players:

https://www.canishoopus.com/2022/8/24/23318615/minnesota-timberwolves-add-front-court-depth-with-forwards-cj-elleby-and-luka-garza-nba

That is interesting. Do you think any team would pay a 2nd or two for Knight? If we could trade both Knight and Naz put Luka on a two way and sign Paschall to replace Knight that would certainty be interesting. Use the final roster spot to either offer Boogie a minimum or sign a PG and trade rivers for more second round capital. Keep the 15 spot open in case of injury. There are plenty of intriguing possibilities.

[KGdaBom]

Canis has an interesting piece today, breaking down the battle for the 15th roster spot, along with the 2-ways, Exhibt 10s and potential G League players:

https://www.canishoopus.com/2022/8/24/23318615/minnesota-timberwolves-add-front-court-depth-with-forwards-cj-elleby-and-luka-garza-nba

That is interesting. Do you think any team would pay a 2nd or two for Knight? If we could trade both Knight and Naz put Luka on a two way and sign Paschall to replace Knight that would certainty be interesting. Use the final roster spot to either offer Boogie a minimum or sign a PG and trade rivers for more second round capital. Keep the 15 spot open in case of injury. There are plenty of intriguing possibilities.

You and your vendetta against Rivers has gone too far. Let it go.

[winforlose]

Canis has an interesting piece today, breaking down the battle for the 15th roster spot, along with the 2-ways, Exhibt 10s and potential G League players:

https://www.canishoopus.com/2022/8/24/23318615/minnesota-timberwolves-add-front-court-depth-with-forwards-cj-elleby-and-luka-garza-nba

That is interesting. Do you think any team would pay a 2nd or two for Knight? If we could trade both Knight and Naz put Luka on a two way and sign Paschall to replace Knight that would certainty be interesting. Use the final roster spot to either offer Boogie a minimum or sign a PG and trade rivers for more second round capital. Keep the 15 spot open in case of injury. There are plenty of intriguing possibilities.

You and your vendetta against Rivers has gone too far. Let it go.

It is not a vendetta, it is a gap in roster construction. I would just as easily trade Forbes but I have him as slightly more valuable than Rivers. Either way, I would like one more PG on this roster. Preferably someone with significant vet experience at PG. Given that we have Ant, Nowell, Forbes/Rivers, Moore, and Lawson who can play SG, am I really crazy to suggest that either Rivers (not fully guaranteed) or Forbes (fully guaranteed,) are expendable. Especially by trade for a 2nd round pick?

Going back to the rest of my idea, If you could get a second for Knight and promote Paschall to the the main roster then replace Paschall’s two way with Luka would you? To me that is an upgrade at backup PF.

[Klomp]

It is not a vendetta, it is a gap in roster construction. I would just as easily trade Forbes but I have him as slightly more valuable than Rivers. Either way, I would like one more PG on this roster. Preferably someone with significant vet experience at PG. Given that we have Ant, Nowell, Forbes/Rivers, Moore, and Lawson who can play SG, am I really crazy to suggest that either Rivers (not fully guaranteed) or Forbes (fully guaranteed,) are expendable. Especially by trade for a 2nd round pick?

Going back to the rest of my idea, If you could get a second for Knight and promote Paschall to the the main roster then replace Paschall’s two way with Luka would you? To me that is an upgrade at backup PF.

It's a choice in roster construction. You may not agree with it, but that's obviously something the team is comfortable with. If they were concerned, I'm fairly certain it would have been addressed.

[winforlose]

It is not a vendetta, it is a gap in roster construction. I would just as easily trade Forbes but I have him as slightly more valuable than Rivers. Either way, I would like one more PG on this roster. Preferably someone with significant vet experience at PG. Given that we have Ant, Nowell, Forbes/Rivers, Moore, and Lawson who can play SG, am I really crazy to suggest that either Rivers (not fully guaranteed) or Forbes (fully guaranteed,) are expendable. Especially by trade for a 2nd round pick?

Going back to the rest of my idea, If you could get a second for Knight and promote Paschall to the the main roster then replace Paschall’s two way with Luka would you? To me that is an upgrade at backup PF.

It's a choice in roster construction. You may not agree with it, but that's obviously something the team is comfortable with. If they were concerned, I'm fairly certain it would have been addressed.

You have a point. That said, seeing this roster together, having training camp and the preseason, I think they might address it. The topic of this thread is “are we done making moves?” I don’t think we are in the long term.

[BlacJacMac]

Canis has an interesting piece today, breaking down the battle for the 15th roster spot, along with the 2-ways, Exhibt 10s and potential G League players:

https://www.canishoopus.com/2022/8/24/23318615/minnesota-timberwolves-add-front-court-depth-with-forwards-cj-elleby-and-luka-garza-nba

That is interesting. Do you think any team would pay a 2nd or two for Knight? If we could trade both Knight and Naz put Luka on a two way and sign Paschall to replace Knight that would certainty be interesting. Use the final roster spot to either offer Boogie a minimum or sign a PG and trade rivers for more second round capital. Keep the 15 spot open in case of injury. There are plenty of intriguing possibilities.

I honestly don't know if Knight has any trade value. But I would have no problem cutting Knight for Paschall.

[KGdaBom]

That is interesting. Do you think any team would pay a 2nd or two for Knight? If we could trade both Knight and Naz put Luka on a two way and sign Paschall to replace Knight that would certainty be interesting. Use the final roster spot to either offer Boogie a minimum or sign a PG and trade rivers for more second round capital. Keep the 15 spot open in case of injury. There are plenty of intriguing possibilities.

You and your vendetta against Rivers has gone too far. Let it go.

It is not a vendetta, it is a gap in roster construction. I would just as easily trade Forbes but I have him as slightly more valuable than Rivers. Either way, I would like one more PG on this roster. Preferably someone with significant vet experience at PG. Given that we have Ant, Nowell, Forbes/Rivers, Moore, and Lawson who can play SG, am I really crazy to suggest that either Rivers (not fully guaranteed) or Forbes (fully guaranteed,) are expendable. Especially by trade for a 2nd round pick?

Going back to the rest of my idea, If you could get a second for Knight and promote Paschall to the the main roster then replace Paschall’s two way with Luka would you? To me that is an upgrade at backup PF.

It's got to the point of vendetta. Yes we get you think we need a more classic point guard for that roster spot. However, it's not going to happen.

[winforlose]

You and your vendetta against Rivers has gone too far. Let it go.

It is not a vendetta, it is a gap in roster construction. I would just as easily trade Forbes but I have him as slightly more valuable than Rivers. Either way, I would like one more PG on this roster. Preferably someone with significant vet experience at PG. Given that we have Ant, Nowell, Forbes/Rivers, Moore, and Lawson who can play SG, am I really crazy to suggest that either Rivers (not fully guaranteed) or Forbes (fully guaranteed,) are expendable. Especially by trade for a 2nd round pick?

Going back to the rest of my idea, If you could get a second for Knight and promote Paschall to the the main roster then replace Paschall’s two way with Luka would you? To me that is an upgrade at backup PF.

It's got to the point of vendetta. Yes we get you think we need a more classic point guard for that roster spot. However, it's not going to happen.

As I tried to explain to Klomp in the previous post (maybe you didn’t see it,) we are talking about different phases of the offseason. This thread is more about camp and the preseason. For now, the roster seems set. But when camp starts and guys start competing with each other and Finch gets a good look at the roster in action, then more moves might happen. One such move is Knight being replaced by Paschall which creates room for Luka as a two way. Another is Reid might get moved and we bring someone else in at C. My point being the context is different for this conversation. Do you follow?

[Klomp]

While I understand why you are concerned about the PG depth, I would also like to point out that your traditional PG becomes less of a need the faster you play. I also think you should look historically at some of the best SGs of the last 20 years...most of them didn't have great PGs/depth. That's because when you put the ball in the hands of your talented wing, the need for a PG decreases.