Value of upcoming MN FA

[minimus]

Dillingham isn't even dressing in the playoffs.

If Finch was forcing an injured rookie to dress for these games, some fans here on RealGM might actually have legit grounds to fire Finch.

I wonder if Finch wants to see a 6’1”, 175-pound rookie get hunted in mismatches like a deer in the headlights

[minimus]

Oh, how quickly MIN fans forget NAW’s defense against PHX and DEN last year. He got completely wiped out by a Jokic screen, and after that, his shooting fell apart against DAL.

Also, this series presents a totally different type of matchup — unlike Jamal Murray, Devin Booker, or Kyrie Irving, MIN now has to stop Doncic, who slowly and methodically dissects defenses. There’s just not as much room for classic point-of-attack defenders like NAW or Jalen Clark to shine here. I really hope MIN makes it to the second round — because that’s when there will be plenty of work for guys like NAW and Clark, whether it’s against Steph Curry or Jalen Green.

That said, I do agree: NAW’s value should ultimately be judged based on playoff performance.
I just want to remind myself (and others) that he’s not the most versatile defender — he lacks strength against bigger ballhandlers — and obviously not the most versatile offensive player either, since he’s limited as a playmaker.

Still, he’s one of my favorite players. I’ve followed him since draft day.

[cmoss84]

If NAW gets decent money, I think I'd rather sign a guy like Jaxson Hayes (for much cheaper) instead. He is going to have a massive chip on his shoulder too.

[Neeva]

If NAW gets decent money, I think I'd rather sign a guy like Jaxson Hayes (for much cheaper) instead. He is going to have a massive chip on his shoulder too.

Wolves need to sign a guy that can hit open shots in the post season because NAW isn’t that guy. so it’s time to sign and trade him. A mostly SG is fine since Ant finishes games as the Point anyway.
Beasley? He’s sucked in post season but would be crazy if he has another three point shooting season like this season again next season. He and Ant would set records.

Also I am leaning towards trading down and getting Clayton Jr in the draft and hoping his shooting translates.

[moss_is_1]

Feel pretty confident we can bring back Naz. Really only BKN has caproom for him, and Naz has shown how much he likes being here(took discount last time to stay), how much he really wants to win, and we will stay pay him fair value.

I wonder if Randle will opt-out to secure a more long term deal with a lower cap number. He seems to have bought in and has shown he can contribute in the post-season now. He seems to love playing for Finch.

Naw is tough. On one hand, he's been great for us, ready to step in whenever needed, plays hard all the time, and hasn't complained about minutes or his role. However him and Donte both creates overlap when we have Ant and Jaden already ahead of those guys, with TSJ and Clark looking ready to contribute. I can see him leaving for the full MLE on a playoff team where he can be penciled in as a starter.

[shrink]

If some team offered NAW the full, non-taxpayer MLE (say, three years starting at $14.1 for a total of $45.7 with raises), do you think ARod and Lore would offer him a deal starting at $12, with a third year player option?

[wolves_89]

If some team offered NAW the full, non-taxpayer MLE (say, three years starting at $14.1 for a total of $45.7 with raises), do you think ARod and Lore would offer him a deal starting at $12, with a third year player option?

I'm doubtful that the deciding factor in NAW returning will be a few million dollars. I think it will come down to what happens with Randle and Naz. If one of those guys moves on I would bet on NAW re-signing at slightly over the non-taxpayer MLE. If both Randle/Naz are back, I expect the Wolves to let NAW leave.

[moss_is_1]

If some team offered NAW the full, non-taxpayer MLE (say, three years starting at $14.1 for a total of $45.7 with raises), do you think ARod and Lore would offer him a deal starting at $12, with a third year player option?

I imagine they would offer that for sure. I'm not sure if NAW would be willing to accept a lower deal for us, though. I think there's going to be a lot of teams looking at him for a wing defender in their starting lineup. Especially playoff teams.

Playoff hopefuls - Dallas, LAL, Denver, Detroit, GSW, Milwaukee, Orlando all could really pursue him to be a starting 3 and D guy. Unfortunately I don't see him wanting to come back and compete with Donte, TSJ, Clark off the bench and Ant/Jaden already starting.

[Klomp]

I'd currently put NAW's odds of returning at around 20%

[life_saver]

NAW has lost lot of money with his performances so far in playoffs

[BlacJacMac]

NAW has lost lot of money with his performances so far in playoffs

And hopefully his roster spot.

[winforlose]

I honestly don’t know if NAW makes what he is currently making if he keeps performing like this in the playoffs. It isn’t just this year either, he was awful last year too. NAW averaged 23.1 minutes and had 7.3/1.8/2.2 on 36.6%/29.6% and less than 1 free throw per game (which to his credit he made.)

Edit to add: For context NAW is averaging 6.0/1.6/2.2 on 26.5%/21.7%/85.7% on 1.6 free throws attempted. This was in the Lakers series with 20 minutes per game. Gonna be worse across the board after tonight.

[Klomp]

I honestly don’t know if NAW makes what he is currently making if he keeps performing like this in the playoffs. It isn’t just this year either, he was awful last year too. NAW averaged 23.1 minutes and had 7.3/1.8/2.2 on 36.6%/29.6% and less than 1 free throw per game (which to his credit he made.)

Edit to add: For context NAW is averaging 6.0/1.6/2.2 on 26.5%/21.7%/85.7% on 1.6 free throws attempted. This was in the Lakers series with 20 minutes per game. Gonna be worse across the board after tonight.

It definitely dampens a little bit of his market, but I believe he'll still get one of the MLEs....just might only be the taxpayer MLE now. And really, those are the teams that would be more interested in a 3/D option like him.

[winforlose]

I honestly don’t know if NAW makes what he is currently making if he keeps performing like this in the playoffs. It isn’t just this year either, he was awful last year too. NAW averaged 23.1 minutes and had 7.3/1.8/2.2 on 36.6%/29.6% and less than 1 free throw per game (which to his credit he made.)

Edit to add: For context NAW is averaging 6.0/1.6/2.2 on 26.5%/21.7%/85.7% on 1.6 free throws attempted. This was in the Lakers series with 20 minutes per game. Gonna be worse across the board after tonight.

It definitely dampens a little bit of his market, but I believe he'll still get one of the MLEs....just might only be the taxpayer MLE now. And really, those are the teams that would be more interested in a 3/D option like him.

Yes, but if he collapses under pressure then he won’t be a true 3/D for a contender.

[Klomp]

I honestly don’t know if NAW makes what he is currently making if he keeps performing like this in the playoffs. It isn’t just this year either, he was awful last year too. NAW averaged 23.1 minutes and had 7.3/1.8/2.2 on 36.6%/29.6% and less than 1 free throw per game (which to his credit he made.)

Edit to add: For context NAW is averaging 6.0/1.6/2.2 on 26.5%/21.7%/85.7% on 1.6 free throws attempted. This was in the Lakers series with 20 minutes per game. Gonna be worse across the board after tonight.

It definitely dampens a little bit of his market, but I believe he'll still get one of the MLEs....just might only be the taxpayer MLE now. And really, those are the teams that would be more interested in a 3/D option like him.

Yes, but if he collapses under pressure then he won’t be a true 3/D for a contender.

Well of course. But most of the "true 3/D for a contender" types will be priced out of their range if they're a tax team. You take what you can get. Someone will surely give him a try.

[minimus]

I honestly don’t know if NAW makes what he is currently making if he keeps performing like this in the playoffs. It isn’t just this year either, he was awful last year too. NAW averaged 23.1 minutes and had 7.3/1.8/2.2 on 36.6%/29.6% and less than 1 free throw per game (which to his credit he made.)

Edit to add: For context NAW is averaging 6.0/1.6/2.2 on 26.5%/21.7%/85.7% on 1.6 free throws attempted. This was in the Lakers series with 20 minutes per game. Gonna be worse across the board after tonight.

It definitely dampens a little bit of his market, but I believe he'll still get one of the MLEs....just might only be the taxpayer MLE now. And really, those are the teams that would be more interested in a 3/D option like him.

Well, I think the question with NAW has always been whether he can be a bit more than 3&D, I mean can he share a bit workload as secondary ballhandler? Or can he provide some rim pressure or add some mid range game? I have no problem to give NAW a full MLE regardless of his inconsistency as 3pt shooter, if he is truly a comboguard like FVV next to Lowry in TOR. But MLE for pure 3&D is a bit of luxury for MIN, because Clark fills that role perfectly playing for minimum.

[BlacJacMac]

I honestly don’t know if NAW makes what he is currently making if he keeps performing like this in the playoffs. It isn’t just this year either, he was awful last year too. NAW averaged 23.1 minutes and had 7.3/1.8/2.2 on 36.6%/29.6% and less than 1 free throw per game (which to his credit he made.)

Edit to add: For context NAW is averaging 6.0/1.6/2.2 on 26.5%/21.7%/85.7% on 1.6 free throws attempted. This was in the Lakers series with 20 minutes per game. Gonna be worse across the board after tonight.

It definitely dampens a little bit of his market, but I believe he'll still get one of the MLEs....just might only be the taxpayer MLE now. And really, those are the teams that would be more interested in a 3/D option like him.

Well, I think the question with NAW has always been whether he can be a bit more than 3&D, I mean can he share a bit workload as secondary ballhandler? Or can he provide some rim pressure or add some mid range game? I have no problem to give NAW a full MLE regardless of his inconsistency as 3pt shooter, if he is truly a comboguard like FVV next to Lowry in TOR. But MLE for pure 3&D is a bit of luxury for MIN, because Clark fills that role perfectly playing for minimum.

I think we've seen that he can not. He gets into trouble when he creates for himself and he doesn't do more than make rudimentary passes.

Combine that with his absolute inability to shoot in the postseason, and not only would I be against giving him the taxpayer MLE, I don't want him back at all next year.

[Klomp]

But MLE for pure 3&D is a bit of luxury for MIN, because Clark fills that role perfectly playing for minimum.

Oh for sure, I get that. Honestly, he's third on my personal priority list for our free agents largely for that reason. But I was speaking more to his overall market value.

[minimus]

It definitely dampens a little bit of his market, but I believe he'll still get one of the MLEs....just might only be the taxpayer MLE now. And really, those are the teams that would be more interested in a 3/D option like him.

Well, I think the question with NAW has always been whether he can be a bit more than 3&D, I mean can he share a bit workload as secondary ballhandler? Or can he provide some rim pressure or add some mid range game? I have no problem to give NAW a full MLE regardless of his inconsistency as 3pt shooter, if he is truly a comboguard like FVV next to Lowry in TOR. But MLE for pure 3&D is a bit of luxury for MIN, because Clark fills that role perfectly playing for minimum.

I think we've seen that he can not. He gets into trouble when he creates for himself and he doesn't do more than make rudimentary passes.

Combine that with his absolute inability to shoot in the postseason, and not only would I be against giving him the taxpayer MLE, I don't want him back at all next year.

Yeah, I agree with you... But In the second half of the season, there was a stretch where NAW looked solid as a playmaker off the bench. I agree that his 3PT shooting slump has tanked his offensive value, but I still think he could be a better fit next to someone like Dillingham, rather than playing alongside DDV or Conley like he is now. If TC can somehow convince Conley to retire, I’d honestly be more than happy to promote NAW into a defensive-minded guard role next to Dillingham. That pairing has a clearer balance between creation and on-ball defense. I also believe there’s real value in keeping young core guys who match the team’s identity. In that sense, keeping Reid, DDV, and NAW could give MIN even more cohesion and chemistry going forward.

[Klomp]

I would put NAW's upside value at Alex Caruso level