Trade Talk (Part 18): Early Season Panic Edition

[KGdaBom]

I think it's gotta be DDV and Naz, or Randle, or Gobert. Too bad we didn't go after Jabari Smith Jr.

Problem is, the players most of us want other teams aren't going to give up for what we have to offer. Here's what I mean, a team like Indiana would not give up Andrew Nembhard without getting prospects or draft picks back, unless we overpay, which we shouldn't do.

The other thing to remember is most of our tradable assets aren't able to be traded until January. Depending on the purpose of your trade, that may or may not be too late.

PG....a need. No matter what.

SG Edwards is set, DDV or Clark should go.. depending on what other team values more and what the return is. I'd rather keep Clark.

SF McDaniels would take a blockbuster to move, Shannon Jr should only be part of a big return as well.

PF Randle or Naz should be traded, possibly both in separate trades if a young 3 and D power forward can be found.

C any and all are fair game.

Coach - Finch needs to go and a young mind like Sam Cassell should come in, or bring in a hard ass like Jenkins or Malone or guy like Crean offensive mind

Trades I would do

Here is a massive reset with possiblity to compete still...

1. Indiana out: Nembhard and Huff
In: McDaniels

2. Hornets out: Sexton and Salaun
In: Randle

3. Pelicans out: Murphy
In: Reid, Moody, Miller, Dillingham

4. Warriors out: Kuminga, Moody, Post
In: Gobert

MN

PG Nembhard, Sexton (6th man instant offense)
SG Edwards, Clark (DDV trade pending)
SF Murphy, Shannon Jr
PF Kuminga, (convert Alize Johnson), Salaun
C. Huff, Post, Beringer, Rocco

Hire new coach, let it rip

(Trades did not include any draft compensation as that's a mess)

And yes, everything works financially. It results in Minnesota having approximately 56 million in cap space

1: Yuck
2: Uncontrollable vomit
3: I could approve of that.
4: Barf

1. Nembhard and McDaniels are not that far apart and Nembhard also plays a more impactful position. I love Jaden, but the mental and maturity issues aren't going away and it's the best path to a young starting PG. Huff is placed holding stretch 5.

2. There would be draft picks involved, but this team desperately needs a ball handling scorer and some intensity. Sexton brings both and next to Clark his defense ability can be covered a little. Plus, contract expires if he does suck.

3. No brainer, if not enough to Pelicans.

4. Gobert is a salary dump on our end for a starting pf. Post is salary purpose only, 6 fouls and can play stretch.

56 million in cap space if you didn't catch that part. Plus starting PG, SG, and SF locked in for foreseeable future.

Thanks for sharing your reasoning. I hear you, but I'm not buying what you're selling.

[shrink]

The Huffington Post and Vikings all time great Randall McDaniel.

I mean, it’s no Gay Love Sessions, but it’s still pretty good.

It's a shame that Rudy and Kevin were never teammates IIRC. However, I can give you a real name that's right up there with that pairing. NFL star Harry Colon. Auto Racer Dick Trickle.

I know what I’m saying I’m grateful for

[Domejandro]

This is the Randle we saw against OKC. When a tough defender like Caruso guards him he can be defended one on one.

I know you despise Randle (comparatively speaking), But this was one bad game. He's allowed for that to happen a few times a season.

You said comparatively speaking, compared to what? This was a trend carried over from the playoffs last season. Randle is a guy who commands doubles unless you put an elite defender on him. If you do, you can defend him one on one. I don’t know if you noticed, but last night 3 times Jaden sat down, and 3 times OKC went on an 8-10 point run. As I stated already Jaden melted down in the fourth, but honestly last night Jaden was the #2, which is why he is untouchable in trade discussions, and Randle and Rudy are not. Randle is giving great production relative to his contract, but he has clear limitations that we ignore at our own peril.

The problem for Randle is that he can still operate against quality defenders, but struggles doing so against a team like OKC which has extraordinary switch-ability and the capacity to shut down drives in gap help.

He is great in almost every other matchup, but OKC is just a rough one. This could be alleviated a solid amount by having even a backup-capable Point-Guard on the roster.

[Neeva]

I made my mind up seeing Julius struggle against OKC again! He has to go wolves will never get over the hump and reach nba finals with him, Connelly should sell high, his value is only going to get lower after this season. Get as much value as possible back in Randle trade to try to be serious contenders during Ant’s prime years. By then SGA and others will want out of OKC like all their previous stars before.

[winforlose]

I made my mind up seeing Julius struggle against OKC again! He has to go wolves will never get over the hump and reach nba finals with him, Connelly should sell high, his value is only going to get lower after this season. Get as much value as possible back in Randle trade to try to be serious contenders during Ant’s prime years. By then SGA and others will want out of OKC like all their previous stars before.

If you are serious about the step back route, then the question is what do you get for Randle, DDV, and Rudy. The focus becomes young but proven talent that could be kept affordable until we make a push either in 27/28 or more likely in 28/29. You rely on a core of Ant/Jaden/Naz, with hopeful development of Joan and TSJ with wildcards in the form of Dilly, Rocco, and Miller. I dislike this route personally, but I do acknowledge it is viable.

[Norseman79]

I made my mind up seeing Julius struggle against OKC again! He has to go wolves will never get over the hump and reach nba finals with him, Connelly should sell high, his value is only going to get lower after this season. Get as much value as possible back in Randle trade to try to be serious contenders during Ant’s prime years. By then SGA and others will want out of OKC like all their previous stars before.

If you are serious about the step back route, then the question is what do you get for Randle, DDV, and Rudy. The focus becomes young but proven talent that could be kept affordable until we make a push either in 27/28 or more likely in 28/29. You rely on a core of Ant/Jaden/Naz, with hopeful development of Joan and TSJ with wildcards in the form of Dilly, Rocco, and Miller. I dislike this route personally, but I do acknowledge it is viable.

In theory, let's just say we break this thing down getting rid of players like Julius, Dante, Rudy, and other prospects that haven't performed but still might have value such as Rob, Miller, etc. I have a hard time believing the return we get wouldn't be enough to continue to get us to the playoffs. I laid out some trades above that would have stripped us down further and then what you're proposing and I still believe we would have been competitive enough to make the playoffs who knows after that. Let's focus on your guys that you mentioned, just those three. In doing so, let's look at us getting lesser players in return and check out how the roster still looks.

Trade 1: MN out: Randle and Miller
MN in: Sexton, Williams, 2027 1rst (people hate sexton, I get it. Fact is, he's expiring, his instant offense, and his motor never stops. Coming in as the sixth man, he could provide a spark this team needs. Williams is nothing more than a backup to Reid at the 4. The prize here is the first round pick. Charlotte has three of them, I'm sure they would give up one. Charlotte wins the trade, Minnesota ends up okay.

Trade 2: MN out: Gobert
MN in: Claxton

This would be a three-team deal with Boston. Celtics get Gobert. Nets Simons, Hauser, picks

Trade 3: MN out: DDV, Bones and Dilly
MN in: Black, Bitadze

Orlando gets 3-point shooting at a cheap contract, and a young point guard to develop. Minnesota gets depth and a prospect in Black.

MN

PG - Black, Sexton, Conley Jr
SG - Edwards, Clark
SF - McDaniels, TSJr
PF - Reid, Williams
C - Claxton, Bitadze

This opens up a lot of cap room, it also resets the roster and allows safety nets in case young bigs don't develop. It's not sexy, but it should definitely be good enough to get a four or five spot in the playoffs and then who knows.

I would argue that we lose every one of these trades value-wise. But I also feel like a roster looks much better after. And I mean for this year and the foreseeable future.

[winforlose]

I made my mind up seeing Julius struggle against OKC again! He has to go wolves will never get over the hump and reach nba finals with him, Connelly should sell high, his value is only going to get lower after this season. Get as much value as possible back in Randle trade to try to be serious contenders during Ant’s prime years. By then SGA and others will want out of OKC like all their previous stars before.

If you are serious about the step back route, then the question is what do you get for Randle, DDV, and Rudy. The focus becomes young but proven talent that could be kept affordable until we make a push either in 27/28 or more likely in 28/29. You rely on a core of Ant/Jaden/Naz, with hopeful development of Joan and TSJ with wildcards in the form of Dilly, Rocco, and Miller. I dislike this route personally, but I do acknowledge it is viable.

In theory, let's just say we break this thing down getting rid of players like Julius, Dante, Rudy, and other prospects that haven't performed but still might have value such as Rob, Miller, etc. I have a hard time believing the return we get wouldn't be enough to continue to get us to the playoffs. I laid out some trades above that would have stripped us down further and then what you're proposing and I still believe we would have been competitive enough to make the playoffs who knows after that. Let's focus on your guys that you mentioned, just those three. In doing so, let's look at us getting lesser players in return and check out how the roster still looks.

Trade 1: MN out: Randle and Miller
MN in: Sexton, Williams, 2027 1rst (people hate sexton, I get it. Fact is, he's expiring, his instant offense, and his motor never stops. Coming in as the sixth man, he could provide a spark this team needs. Williams is nothing more than a backup to Reid at the 4. The prize here is the first round pick. Charlotte has three of them, I'm sure they would give up one. Charlotte wins the trade, Minnesota ends up okay.

Trade 2: MN out: Gobert
MN in: Claxton

This would be a three-team deal with Boston. Celtics get Gobert. Nets Simons, Hauser, picks

Trade 3: MN out: DDV, Bones and Dilly
MN in: Black, Bitadze

Orlando gets 3-point shooting at a cheap contract, and a young point guard to develop. Minnesota gets depth and a prospect in Black.

MN

PG - Black, Sexton, Conley Jr
SG - Edwards, Clark
SF - McDaniels, TSJr
PF - Reid, Williams
C - Claxton, Bitadze

This opens up a lot of cap room, it also resets the roster and allows safety nets in case young bigs don't develop. It's not sexy, but it should definitely be good enough to get a four or five spot in the playoffs and then who knows.

I would argue that we lose every one of these trades value-wise. But I also feel like a roster looks much better after. And I mean for this year and the foreseeable future.

I have serious doubts that team makes the playoffs. I would be surprised if they made the play in.

[Norseman79]

If you are serious about the step back route, then the question is what do you get for Randle, DDV, and Rudy. The focus becomes young but proven talent that could be kept affordable until we make a push either in 27/28 or more likely in 28/29. You rely on a core of Ant/Jaden/Naz, with hopeful development of Joan and TSJ with wildcards in the form of Dilly, Rocco, and Miller. I dislike this route personally, but I do acknowledge it is viable.

In theory, let's just say we break this thing down getting rid of players like Julius, Dante, Rudy, and other prospects that haven't performed but still might have value such as Rob, Miller, etc. I have a hard time believing the return we get wouldn't be enough to continue to get us to the playoffs. I laid out some trades above that would have stripped us down further and then what you're proposing and I still believe we would have been competitive enough to make the playoffs who knows after that. Let's focus on your guys that you mentioned, just those three. In doing so, let's look at us getting lesser players in return and check out how the roster still looks.

Trade 1: MN out: Randle and Miller
MN in: Sexton, Williams, 2027 1rst (people hate sexton, I get it. Fact is, he's expiring, his instant offense, and his motor never stops. Coming in as the sixth man, he could provide a spark this team needs. Williams is nothing more than a backup to Reid at the 4. The prize here is the first round pick. Charlotte has three of them, I'm sure they would give up one. Charlotte wins the trade, Minnesota ends up okay.

Trade 2: MN out: Gobert
MN in: Claxton

This would be a three-team deal with Boston. Celtics get Gobert. Nets Simons, Hauser, picks

Trade 3: MN out: DDV, Bones and Dilly
MN in: Black, Bitadze

Orlando gets 3-point shooting at a cheap contract, and a young point guard to develop. Minnesota gets depth and a prospect in Black.

MN

PG - Black, Sexton, Conley Jr
SG - Edwards, Clark
SF - McDaniels, TSJr
PF - Reid, Williams
C - Claxton, Bitadze

This opens up a lot of cap room, it also resets the roster and allows safety nets in case young bigs don't develop. It's not sexy, but it should definitely be good enough to get a four or five spot in the playoffs and then who knows.

I would argue that we lose every one of these trades value-wise. But I also feel like a roster looks much better after. And I mean for this year and the foreseeable future.

I have serious doubts that team makes the playoffs. I would be surprised if they made the play in.

Tell me why?

No faith in Black being a better PG than DDV? Or Sexton being better than Dilly?

Edwards, Clark, McDaniels, TSJ doesn't change

PF Reid and Williams are less than Randle and Reid, but not substantially if you believe in Reid

C Claxton and Bitadze combo is vastly superior to what we are currently doing at the 5, Rudy is superior to both, but the combo beats out rotation at the 5.

Bench is better, starter are slightly worse. Roster is more balanced.

[Neeva]

The easiest(and realistic?) solution to attempt to fix the roster is probably trading Randle to Chicago for Coby White and Zach Collins and two future chicago first round picks the money comes out just right.Collins is an expiring so some of that money should go to white’s new contract which hopefully will only be in the 21-24 range…not super sexy but those picks might be nice with Chicago’s injury history.

Naz as a starter will definitely up his value, and Jaden needs to play more PF minutes as well opening up more playing time for TJ at SF.

[Norseman79]

The easiest solution to attempt to fix the roster is probably trading Randle to Chicago for Coby White and Zach Collins and two future chicago first round picks the money comes out just right.Collins is an expiring so some of that money should go to white’s new contract which hopefully will only be in the 21-24 range…not super sexy but those picks might be nice with Chicago’s injury history.

If you believe White is best as a PG. I don't. If you want to take the same approach with White as I mentioned with Sexon, I am good. Make it Smith, White and Phillips...

Swap that for the char trade in my previous post.

Instead of Sexton, Williams (didn't realize he isn't back yet) and a 27 1rst....add White, Smith, Phillips and a 29 protected 1rst.

PG - White, Black
SG - Edwards, Clark
SF - McDaniels, TSJr
PF - Reid, Smith
C - Claxton, Bitadze

[winforlose]

In theory, let's just say we break this thing down getting rid of players like Julius, Dante, Rudy, and other prospects that haven't performed but still might have value such as Rob, Miller, etc. I have a hard time believing the return we get wouldn't be enough to continue to get us to the playoffs. I laid out some trades above that would have stripped us down further and then what you're proposing and I still believe we would have been competitive enough to make the playoffs who knows after that. Let's focus on your guys that you mentioned, just those three. In doing so, let's look at us getting lesser players in return and check out how the roster still looks.

Trade 1: MN out: Randle and Miller
MN in: Sexton, Williams, 2027 1rst (people hate sexton, I get it. Fact is, he's expiring, his instant offense, and his motor never stops. Coming in as the sixth man, he could provide a spark this team needs. Williams is nothing more than a backup to Reid at the 4. The prize here is the first round pick. Charlotte has three of them, I'm sure they would give up one. Charlotte wins the trade, Minnesota ends up okay.

Trade 2: MN out: Gobert
MN in: Claxton

This would be a three-team deal with Boston. Celtics get Gobert. Nets Simons, Hauser, picks

Trade 3: MN out: DDV, Bones and Dilly
MN in: Black, Bitadze

Orlando gets 3-point shooting at a cheap contract, and a young point guard to develop. Minnesota gets depth and a prospect in Black.

MN

PG - Black, Sexton, Conley Jr
SG - Edwards, Clark
SF - McDaniels, TSJr
PF - Reid, Williams
C - Claxton, Bitadze

This opens up a lot of cap room, it also resets the roster and allows safety nets in case young bigs don't develop. It's not sexy, but it should definitely be good enough to get a four or five spot in the playoffs and then who knows.

I would argue that we lose every one of these trades value-wise. But I also feel like a roster looks much better after. And I mean for this year and the foreseeable future.

I have serious doubts that team makes the playoffs. I would be surprised if they made the play in.

Tell me why?

No faith in Black being a better PG than DDV? Or Sexton being better than Dilly?

Edwards, Clark, McDaniels, TSJ doesn't change

PF Reid and Williams are less than Randle and Reid, but not substantially if you believe in Reid

C Claxton and Bitadze combo is vastly superior to what we are currently doing at the 5, Rudy is superior to both, but the combo beats out rotation at the 5.

Bench is better, starter are slightly worse. Roster is more balanced.

Putting aside the obvious issue of moving 6 players mid season and the team needing to adjust, Clark is a one way player, sexton is a one way player (who will want to start and play a lot of minutes,) Black is a low volume 3 point shooter who has never handled the kind of minutes or pressure you are asking him to. He is averaging 2.8 assists to 2.1 turnovers and you want him to step into the PG role on a western conference contender? Bitadze kept getting benched when other guys got healthy and from what I read they deemed him unplayable in the playoffs against Boston. Coby Williams is also untested. This is a team that would struggle on both ends of the floor. Naz is not magically going to defend better, nor is TSJ. Maybe in a couple years this team could be playoff threat, but the simple answer, too young, not a great fit, and needs a much better coach to make it work.

[Norseman79]

I have serious doubts that team makes the playoffs. I would be surprised if they made the play in.

Tell me why?

No faith in Black being a better PG than DDV? Or Sexton being better than Dilly?

Edwards, Clark, McDaniels, TSJ doesn't change

PF Reid and Williams are less than Randle and Reid, but not substantially if you believe in Reid

C Claxton and Bitadze combo is vastly superior to what we are currently doing at the 5, Rudy is superior to both, but the combo beats out rotation at the 5.

Bench is better, starter are slightly worse. Roster is more balanced.

Putting aside the obvious issue of moving 6 players mid season and the team needing to adjust, Clark is a one way player, sexton is a one way player (who will want to start and play a lot of minutes,) Black is a low volume 3 point shooter who has never handled the kind of minutes or pressure you are asking him to. He is averaging 2.8 assists to 2.1 turnovers and you want him to step into the PG role on a western conference contender? Bitadze kept getting benched when other guys got healthy and from what I read they deemed him unplayable in the playoffs against Boston. Coby Williams is also untested. This is a team that would struggle on both ends of the floor. Naz is not magically going to defend better, nor is TSJ. Maybe in a couple years this team could be playoff threat, but the simple answer, too young, not a great fit, and needs a much better coach to make it work.

Coby Williams?? That was Grant Williams who is coming back from a knee injury and is a career 37% 3pt shooter.

Also, we're really only moving three pieces. Randle who is defense is only slightly better than Reids, DDV who is playing out of position and misused. Gobert who arguably should not be traded, but the post was talking about removing those three players. I also noticed that you ignored a few things that are fairly important when looking at what I proposed.

First Claxton would be starting at center, not Bitadze who would be the backup big and deal with bulkier centers. Also means no drop off when Claxton goes to the bench as far as rebounding and defense in the paint.

Second I said Black would be better at playing point guard then DDV. You pointed out the concerns of Black running point guard, but you didn't address that he would be better than DDV. This team isn't a Western conference contender, it's a playoff team probably, and it probably would be after the trades that were suggested as well. If the big three of Edwards, McDaniel's, and Reid are not good enough to get you to the playoffs, more trades need to be made in the off season. Also make sure you take into account Black's defense, which is supposedly pretty good.

Next, Clark is hitting about 35% of 3's and plays great defense. I will take that backing up Edwards. As far as Sexton being a one-way player, he might be, so is Dillingham. But Sexton is way better at it than he is. Plus, if he outplays black and ends up starting at point guard and doing well, what's the problem?

Now if you just don't like to trades because you don't care for the players, I'm totally cool with that. But I already stated, each of the trades that I mentioned would involve us losing value-wise. However, the roster that results is more balanced and arguably just as competitive as what we currently have. I would stand by that. If Chicago wants Randall and we end up with white and Smith instead of Sexton and Williams, great. I just feel like that trade is way less likely to happen.

[BlacJacMac]

I made my mind up seeing Julius struggle against OKC again! He has to go wolves will never get over the hump and reach nba finals with him, Connelly should sell high, his value is only going to get lower after this season. Get as much value as possible back in Randle trade to try to be serious contenders during Ant’s prime years. By then SGA and others will want out of OKC like all their previous stars before.

If you are serious about the step back route, then the question is what do you get for Randle, DDV, and Rudy. The focus becomes young but proven talent that could be kept affordable until we make a push either in 27/28 or more likely in 28/29. You rely on a core of Ant/Jaden/Naz, with hopeful development of Joan and TSJ with wildcards in the form of Dilly, Rocco, and Miller. I dislike this route personally, but I do acknowledge it is viable.

In theory, let's just say we break this thing down getting rid of players like Julius, Dante, Rudy, and other prospects that haven't performed but still might have value such as Rob, Miller, etc. I have a hard time believing the return we get wouldn't be enough to continue to get us to the playoffs. I laid out some trades above that would have stripped us down further and then what you're proposing and I still believe we would have been competitive enough to make the playoffs who knows after that. Let's focus on your guys that you mentioned, just those three. In doing so, let's look at us getting lesser players in return and check out how the roster still looks.

Trade 1: MN out: Randle and Miller
MN in: Sexton, Williams, 2027 1rst (people hate sexton, I get it. Fact is, he's expiring, his instant offense, and his motor never stops. Coming in as the sixth man, he could provide a spark this team needs. Williams is nothing more than a backup to Reid at the 4. The prize here is the first round pick. Charlotte has three of them, I'm sure they would give up one. Charlotte wins the trade, Minnesota ends up okay.

Trade 2: MN out: Gobert
MN in: Claxton

This would be a three-team deal with Boston. Celtics get Gobert. Nets Simons, Hauser, picks

Trade 3: MN out: DDV, Bones and Dilly
MN in: Black, Bitadze

Orlando gets 3-point shooting at a cheap contract, and a young point guard to develop. Minnesota gets depth and a prospect in Black.

MN

PG - Black, Sexton, Conley Jr
SG - Edwards, Clark
SF - McDaniels, TSJr
PF - Reid, Williams
C - Claxton, Bitadze

This opens up a lot of cap room, it also resets the roster and allows safety nets in case young bigs don't develop. It's not sexy, but it should definitely be good enough to get a four or five spot in the playoffs and then who knows.

I would argue that we lose every one of these trades value-wise. But I also feel like a roster looks much better after. And I mean for this year and the foreseeable future.

I....don't hate this.

It keeps, Ant, McD, Clark, Joan and TSJ. That's a lot of young talent.

I'm still intrigued by Black's potential and a 3&D switchable PG.

I love Bitadze. All he does is produce on both ends when given minutes. I think he must clash with Mosely in some way. Dude deserves more playing time.

[minimus]

ATL IN: Gobert, Miller
ATL OUT: KP

Why for ATL: maybe Snyder can re-create UTA offense and defense in ATL

ORL IN: KP
ORL OUT: Isaac, Black, Bitadze

Why for ORL: get a massive expiring contract. Go all-in this season with KP as stretch five, re-sign him later. If KP and Suggs can stay healthy, ORL defense should be scary good.

MIN IN: Isaac, Bitadze, Black
MIN OUT: Gobert, Miller

Why for MIN: get starting PG in Black, temporary starting C and backup defensive minded bigman. IMO Isaac is a perfect defensive teammate for Reid, for 10-15 minutes.

Bitadze/Isaac/Beringer + Zikarsky
Randle/Reid/McDaniels
McDaniels/TJ/Clark + Juzang
Edwards/DDV/Clark
Black/Dillingham/Conley + Hyland

+ 2026 MIN FRP