Trade Talk (Part 17): Early Offseason Planning

[winforlose]

Some apron work here to be had, but seems possible:

Randle, Naz, and #31 for Bam.
Rudy and DD for Durant.

Mike-Ant-Jaden-Durant-Bam
RD-Clark (extend)-TSJ (extend)-Miller-Rookie C #17-Garza

Putting aside the math, (which I suspect is a major problem,) we get substantially worse. You are trading four rotation players for 2. Is bam better than Rudy and Naz together? Is Durant better than Randle and DDV together? Bam like Rudy cannot space the floor, his mid range hook might nice, but his defense won’t generate the same amount of neverminds. Durant as a rental isn’t that valuable unless we are contending, and we will not contend without a legit starting PG, a legit backup PG, a legit backup C, and depth. Moreover, Rudy and DDV don’t equal Durant money using next years cap numbers. I am not sure we can apply this seasons money to make that trade?

P.S. Bam is gonna cost 61 million in 2026/27. If Durant demands the same (easily could.) that is 122 million for those two players. Ant costs just under 49 and Jaden costs 26.7. Combine those 4 numbers and you get 197.7 million on just 4 players. This trade is too rich for our blood.

Its not high volume, but he's hit 36% of his 3s the past 2 years (44% from the corners) and his accuracy on his mid-range to long range shots has improved considerably. And he's a good FT shooter and passer. He's a legit 20/10 guy that absolutely needs to be defended.

He's a 5-time All Defense guy and one of the most switchable bigs in the league. About to turn 28.

Randle, Naz and 31 for Bam is a no-brainer for me.

I get more hung up on the Durant part.

Putting aside the other issues, we couldn’t afford Bam. He costs more than 50% more than what Rudy costs in 2026/27. I am also not sure Bam can play Ant ball well enough to be worth that much of our payroll.

Also Bam is only bringing in 37 next year. Naz is approximately 15, and Randle is approximately 30. I am not sure how the logistics of that trade would work. Nor am I sure another team wouldn’t try to outbid us. I could see the Rockets wanting Bam or the Spurs if they don’t get Giannis, or the Mavs if they trade AD.

[BlacJacMac]

Duplicate...

[BlacJacMac]

Putting aside the math, (which I suspect is a major problem,) we get substantially worse. You are trading four rotation players for 2. Is bam better than Rudy and Naz together? Is Durant better than Randle and DDV together? Bam like Rudy cannot space the floor, his mid range hook might nice, but his defense won’t generate the same amount of neverminds. Durant as a rental isn’t that valuable unless we are contending, and we will not contend without a legit starting PG, a legit backup PG, a legit backup C, and depth. Moreover, Rudy and DDV don’t equal Durant money using next years cap numbers. I am not sure we can apply this seasons money to make that trade?

P.S. Bam is gonna cost 61 million in 2026/27. If Durant demands the same (easily could.) that is 122 million for those two players. Ant costs just under 49 and Jaden costs 26.7. Combine those 4 numbers and you get 197.7 million on just 4 players. This trade is too rich for our blood.

Its not high volume, but he's hit 36% of his 3s the past 2 years (44% from the corners) and his accuracy on his mid-range to long range shots has improved considerably. And he's a good FT shooter and passer. He's a legit 20/10 guy that absolutely needs to be defended.

He's a 5-time All Defense guy and one of the most switchable bigs in the league. About to turn 28.

Randle, Naz and 31 for Bam is a no-brainer for me.

I get more hung up on the Durant part.

Putting aside the other issues, we couldn’t afford Bam. He costs more than 50% more than what Rudy costs in 2026/27. I am also not sure Bam can play Ant ball well enough to be worth that much of our payroll.

Also Bam is only bringing in 37 next year. Naz is approximately 15, and Randle is approximately 30. I am not sure how the logistics of that trade would work. Nor am I sure another team wouldn’t try to outbid us. I could see the Rockets wanting Bam or the Spurs if they don’t get Giannis, or the Mavs if they trade AD.

I'm just commenting on the interest level of the trade, not the feasibility.

But again, if they really want Randle (or Naz), I'm pushing for Ware and Mitchell.

[Danimals]

I’m guessing no one spent anytime watching Davion Mitchell, he’s a worse PG than DDV and NAW.

[BlacJacMac]

I’m guessing no one spent anytime watching Davion Mitchell, he’s a worse PG than DDV and NAW.

He can defend and he hit the 3 the past 2 years. If he can be a PatBev type, he has value.

[Guest84]

Some apron work here to be had, but seems possible:

Randle, Naz, and #31 for Bam.
Rudy and DD for Durant.

Mike-Ant-Jaden-Durant-Bam
RD-Clark (extend)-TSJ (extend)-Miller-Rookie C #17-Garza

Putting aside the math, (which I suspect is a major problem,) we get substantially worse. You are trading four rotation players for 2. Is bam better than Rudy and Naz together? Is Durant better than Randle and DDV together? Bam like Rudy cannot space the floor, his mid range hook might nice, but his defense won’t generate the same amount of neverminds. Durant as a rental isn’t that valuable unless we are contending, and we will not contend without a legit starting PG, a legit backup PG, a legit backup C, and depth. Moreover, Rudy and DDV don’t equal Durant money using next years cap numbers. I am not sure we can apply this seasons money to make that trade?

P.S. Bam is gonna cost 61 million in 2026/27. If Durant demands the same (easily could.) that is 122 million for those two players. Ant costs just under 49 and Jaden costs 26.7. Combine those 4 numbers and you get 197.7 million on just 4 players. This trade is too rich for our blood.

Its not high volume, but he's hit 36% of his 3s the past 2 years (44% from the corners) and his accuracy on his mid-range to long range shots has improved considerably. And he's a good FT shooter and passer. He's a legit 20/10 guy that absolutely needs to be defended.

He's a 5-time All Defense guy and one of the most switchable bigs in the league. About to turn 28.

Randle, Naz and 31 for Bam is a no-brainer for me.

I get more hung up on the Durant part.

In terms of fit, I think Bam could work. He’s a versatile two way player. I don’t think he’s a number 2 but he’s def a solid 3.

I just want to see a more versatile, mobile two way big here.

If not Bam, how about Allen (clev)? Or a younger Duren?

[minimus]

Some apron work here to be had, but seems possible:

Randle, Naz, and #31 for Bam.
Rudy and DD for Durant.

Mike-Ant-Jaden-Durant-Bam
RD-Clark (extend)-TSJ (extend)-Miller-Rookie C #17-Garza

Putting aside the math, (which I suspect is a major problem,) we get substantially worse. You are trading four rotation players for 2. Is bam better than Rudy and Naz together? Is Durant better than Randle and DDV together? Bam like Rudy cannot space the floor, his mid range hook might nice, but his defense won’t generate the same amount of neverminds. Durant as a rental isn’t that valuable unless we are contending, and we will not contend without a legit starting PG, a legit backup PG, a legit backup C, and depth. Moreover, Rudy and DDV don’t equal Durant money using next years cap numbers. I am not sure we can apply this seasons money to make that trade?

P.S. Bam is gonna cost 61 million in 2026/27. If Durant demands the same (easily could.) that is 122 million for those two players. Ant costs just under 49 and Jaden costs 26.7. Combine those 4 numbers and you get 197.7 million on just 4 players. This trade is too rich for our blood.

Its not high volume, but he's hit 36% of his 3s the past 2 years (44% from the corners) and his accuracy on his mid-range to long range shots has improved considerably. And he's a good FT shooter and passer. He's a legit 20/10 guy that absolutely needs to be defended.

He's a 5-time All Defense guy and one of the most switchable bigs in the league. About to turn 28.

Randle, Naz and 31 for Bam is a no-brainer for me.

I get more hung up on the Durant part.

If Bam value is so low I'd trade Randle, Naz and 17 to get him.But getting Bam means we need a big shooter at wings. If KD is not available other options are Cameron Johnson and Trey Murphy. Trade Gobert and TJ for Cameron Johnson (Trey Murphy). Re-sign NAW.

Bam/Kalkbrenner/Miller
McDaniels/Johnson/Minott
Johnson/Clark/Minott
Edwards/DDV/Clark
Dillingham/NAW/DDV + Conley

[b7s4]

Timberwolves Expected to Chase Kevin Durant Again… and He’s Interested

https://www.yahoo.com/sports/article/report-timberwolves-expected-chase-kevin-010918743.html

[Guest84]

Came across this trade proposal and figured I'd post:

Hawks Receive: Donte DiVincenzo and Sam Hauser

Timberwolves Receive: Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, a 2025 1st round pick (via BOS, No. 28 overall), and a 2025 1st round pick (via ATL, No. 22 overall)

Note: This trade is only possible if the Wolves decline the team options for Luka Garza and Josh Minott

Celtics Receive: Rudy Gobert, Mike Conley Jr, Dominick Barlow, and Leonard Miller

[jpatrick]

Timberwolves Expected to Chase Kevin Durant Again… and He’s Interested

https://www.yahoo.com/sports/article/report-timberwolves-expected-chase-kevin-010918743.html

Just listened to Dunc’d on discuss a Durant trade. They each agreed they would not include McDaniels. I agree.

So what would the trade be. Would Randle need to opt in to be included? Could we include a sign and traded player, such as NAW or Randle? What is too much? They threw out Randle, DDV with maybe Dilly and/or #17. I think we need to have either NAW or DDV on the team next year.

Id do Randle/DDV if we can resign Reid/NAW. That doesn’t match up salary wise though and I doubt the Suns do it. When you start throwing in picks and Dilly it becomes tough. Durant is old and will require a massive two year extension in the high 50s/low 60s range.

[Worm Guts]

Durant is old and will require a massive two year extension in the high 50s/low 60s range.

Honestly, I’m skeptical Durant can command that type of extension at this point.

[minimus]

I just realized that MIN can potentially re-sign NAW depending on how the trade scenarios play out. Let me explain:
If one of DDV, Clark, Rob, TJ, or Mike is included in a trade, I can definitely see a path for NAW to return.

This is such a dizzying situation, where so many different processes will be unfolding at incredible speed:
the opening of the free-agent market, the draft, our own free-agent negotiations, trade talks, the new ownership presentation, the TC extension.

I could look at the simultaneous free agency of Reid, Randle, and NAW as a problem — but honestly, with smart decisions and a bit of luck,
this could actually become an extra source of flexibility.

[shrink]

I could look at the simultaneous free agency of Reid, Randle, and NAW as a problem — but honestly, with smart decisions and a bit of luck,this could actually become an extra source of flexibility.

One benefit here is that if the players all decline their player options, then we won’t have to worry about apron restrictions until they are re-signed. Remember, lux and apron rules are not based on cap holds - that’s only cap space.

This means that once player option’s have been decided, the next phase is to do sign-and-trades, since you can’t S&T if he deal ends with you over the second apron.

[moss_is_1]

I could look at the simultaneous free agency of Reid, Randle, and NAW as a problem — but honestly, with smart decisions and a bit of luck,this could actually become an extra source of flexibility.

One benefit here is that if the players all decline their player options, then we won’t have to worry about apron restrictions until they are re-signed. Remember, lux and apron rules are not based on cap holds - that’s only cap space.

This means that once player option’s have been decided, the next phase is to do sign-and-trades, since you can’t S&T if he deal ends with you over the second apron.

That's a good catch. So Naz and Randle opt out, we sign and trade NAW to a team to get a pick or something, then we work out deals to bring back those guys? Sneaky.

[shrink]

I could look at the simultaneous free agency of Reid, Randle, and NAW as a problem — but honestly, with smart decisions and a bit of luck,this could actually become an extra source of flexibility.

One benefit here is that if the players all decline their player options, then we won’t have to worry about apron restrictions until they are re-signed. Remember, lux and apron rules are not based on cap holds - that’s only cap space.

This means that once player option’s have been decided, the next phase is to do sign-and-trades, since you can’t S&T if he deal ends with you over the second apron.

That's a good catch. So Naz and Randle opt out, we sign and trade NAW to a team to get a pick or something, then we work out deals to bring back those guys? Sneaky.

Yes, and if that NAW trade makes a trade exception, you use it then, (edit) but you’re capped at the second apron.

[moss_is_1]

One benefit here is that if the players all decline their player options, then we won’t have to worry about apron restrictions until they are re-signed. Remember, lux and apron rules are not based on cap holds - that’s only cap space.

This means that once player option’s have been decided, the next phase is to do sign-and-trades, since you can’t S&T if he deal ends with you over the second apron.

That's a good catch. So Naz and Randle opt out, we sign and trade NAW to a team to get a pick or something, then we work out deals to bring back those guys? Sneaky.

Yes, and if that NAW trade makes a trade exception, you use it then, in case your later payroll takes you over the second apron.

That's a nice little wrinkle I never thought about. Could let us get something for Naw. I was thinking it hardcaps a team if you sign and trade guys.

[shrink]

That's a good catch. So Naz and Randle opt out, we sign and trade NAW to a team to get a pick or something, then we work out deals to bring back those guys? Sneaky.

Yes, and if that NAW trade makes a trade exception, you use it then, in case your later payroll takes you over the second apron.

That's a nice little wrinkle I never thought about. Could let us get something for Naw. I was thinking it hardcaps a team if you sign and trade guys.

Oops yeah, I think you’re right. If you do any move that caps you, it caps you, wherever you are in current payroll.

Interestingly, MIN never did a move last year that capped them at either apron. But we were hamstrung because if we did a deal that clicked any of those forbidden apron rules, our payroll after the deal would have had to end below the second apron.

[Ethomasp31]

Just read that Detroit has interest in Naz. Would this be a trade either team would consider?

Naz
TSJ

for

Duran
Ivy or Thompson

That would allow us to trade Rudy...

[Domejandro]

Just read that Detroit has interest in Naz. Would this be a trade either team would consider?

Naz
TSJ

for

Duran
Ivy or Thompson

That would allow us to trade Rudy...

If Detroit wants Naz, they are likely throwing him a sizeable offer in free-agency, not dumping assets to trade for him.

[BlacJacMac]

Just read that Detroit has interest in Naz. Would this be a trade either team would consider?

Naz
TSJ

for

Duran
Ivy or Thompson

That would allow us to trade Rudy...

I'd imagine they'd want to play with with Duren.