Small OKC/MN Trade

[post0115]

MN gets: Nate Robinson (1 yr $4.5mm), Cole Aldrich
OKC gets: Martell Webster (2 yr $5.3mm, 12-13 non-guaranteed), Pekovic (2 yr $4.6mm)

OKC: I don't see Nate or Cole being in the rotation this year for OKC, but Webster could backup Durant (very little PT, but part of rotation) and maybe help out with some of the bigger wings. Webster's contract is almost completely nonguaranteed in 12-13, so Nate pretty much equals Webster contract wise. Pekovic is probably the bigger incentive for OKC in the trade though. Pek is a bruiser in the post who is more ready to play than Cole (bad year last year). Essentially trade two non rotation players for two rotation players (not superstars, but more useful players for a team looking to make a big run). MN could also throw in the recent future 2nd round picks that OKC gave them in the Lazar deal.

MN: Saves a little bit of money in the deal and gets players that are better fits. Cole is a local, young, cheap, developmental player that would be easier to deal with putting at the end of the bench rather than Pek (Cole is also friends with a number of current wolves players - HS all star games, etc.). Nate would be a good fit for a year as the wolves likely won't get their long term SG until next offseason (Wes will ultimately probably be #1 wing off bench for 2 and 3 spots). Nate would be a small backup SG (to pair with Rubio guarding SG's like they currently envision for Barea) which would free the wolves to send Ridnour to any team that has cap space or TPE to take on his contract and have Barea be the backup PG.

[slick_watts]

I'd do it for OKC but I don't know why MIN would.

[leroydaman]

Terrible trade proposal for the Timberwolves.

[Devilanche]

I would do the trade, Pekovic would add a little bit more offence to OKC frontcourt when he managed to get onto court. Nate for Martell doesn't really change much for me, not a big difference but hey at least we're short on SF.


Minnesota would be crazy to throw in a 2nd rounder. Aldrich value to us is way higher than it is to anyone else.

[shangrila]

Does it save us money? And how good or bad is Aldrich?

[shrink]

I like the general nature of the trade, but I think with Darko being an enigma, MIN needs to hold onto Pekovic, who you correctly say is more ready for the NBA than Aldrich. Personally, I don't mind the salary of Pek or Darko, with deals in the $4's. Other teams are paying a fortune for size right now, and even if they are back-ups, I like the numbers.

I don't see a use for Nate except that he would be cheaper than Martell Webster. However, Webster's deal is only guaranteed for $600,000 next year, and if he's healthy, MIN can use him.

[Swimmer]

I would do it. I think the fit is there for the puppies.

[wolves_fan_82au]

i would love to have nate in minnesota but without another pg going out theres just no point

[Foye]

I would do it. I think the fit is there for the puppies.

Where? Aldrich has been terrible and we don't need Nate.