lilfishi22 wrote:Ghost of Kleine wrote:lilfishi22 wrote:Wouldn't describe our defense as regression. Fall off a cliff is a better description
I actually believe they're referring to the Wolves defensive regression in addition to their offense not being strong enough even with Ant to put them in a position to be a legitimate playoff threat after how strong there defense was last year and their much better offense prior to the KAT / Randle trade. It only makes sense as Conley's older, and Gobert and Randle are not serious offensive threats that can help Edward's. He really doesn't have a solid # 2 sidekick option now.
Not too sure why their defense regressed a bit though? But both of these considerations only play to our favor for Minnesota to be another possible KD trade destination to drive up value somewhat in a bidding war hopefully? Also it doesn't hurt that ANT idolizes him either...lol.

Ah my bad.
The Wolves could use KD's offense. They got by pretty well with a #16 offense last season by having an elite #1 rated defense. This season they are down to #6th in defense (still damn good) but despite their offense having moved up in rankings (#13), their offensive rating is actually down 1.3pts per 100. Julius Randle has always had suspect defense to me and KAT's underrated, I think you could probably explain a lot of that defensive regression on the change in personnel in the front court.
No worries it happens with all of us, especially me as I tend to rush things when trying to multitask too much...lol! Anyways, I see Minnesota as a very viable destination due to Ants' infatuation/ idolization of KD and in kind how KD views ANT as one of these NBAs' premiere future superstars! Both have low-key expressed interest in playing together. And considering their offensive struggles, KD seems like a no-brainer! Also, it would work pretty perfectly for him wedged between two great defenders in Gobert and McDaniels. Meaning he really wouldn't have to expend much if any energy on the defensive end with those two high-end defenders allowing him to focus solely on his offensive mastery.
Now I say the premise of KD playing between those two players from the lens of Minnesota preferring to swap KD for an outgoing package of Randle/ Reid/ Dillingham jr/ DET 25' 1st ( 17th pick)/ MIN 32' 1st. I know that BWgood has premised a McDanieels/ Reid/ DiVincenzo/ filler/ picks package that is of course damn enticing! But I don't at all dislike the Randle/Reid package because Randle would give us a dominant inside presence and strong, physical rebounder that would also give us a $30 million expiring asset. And Naz Reid would give us a high-end backup 4/5. And finally, Rob Dillingham could be mentored by Beal since he'll still be here for a minute with us for at least two more seasons. Or because he's an intriguing young recent top-10 lottery talent, we could look to trade him in another deal for players/ draft picks. Ultimately though, a lot will be predicated upon BOTH Randles' and Reids' Player options. because it'd obviously affect the DT 25' 1st in the deal. And may force us to wait until after they pick up their players' options to be eligible for trade.
Neither BWgood nor I have an answer to whether or not they can legally be traded, and how soon they can pick up their player options if they do, how soon they can be traded after. I have a feeling they might not be able to be traded until after the draft once free agency opens. And that we might have to wait till the trade deadline to do this trade which would obviously affect the value perception from both sides. For Minnesota if thy get under a year of KD under contract, and for us IF it can't happen until after the draft, meaning we'd lose out on that 25' 1st for pick value as they have all ost nothing else to offer.
