| KG's Franchise Authored by Ryan Bennett - June 23, 2005 - 7:36 pm
The 04/05 Minnesota Timberwolves have to be one of the biggest disappointments of the last decade. I cannot think of a team with more expectations that has failed to follow through.
The main thing I noticed about last year’s T-Wolves is the lack of a 2nd go to guy beside strugglers like Wally Szczerbiak, Sam Cassell, or Latrell Sprewell. Wally Szczerbiak is a known quanitity, but Cassell and Sprewell really disappointed. According to many sources, Sprewell won’t be back for next season.
Ah…. the search for an easy-to-get star. It is possible; look at the lopsided deal between the Raptors and Nets for Vince Carter. The Wolves have some desirable expiring contracts to move and should definitely target Steve Francis. His value is at a low (even though I think he played his best basketball yet) because of his alleged restaurant ‘brawl.’ To add to the greatness of this idea, the Magic are looking at acquiring expiring deals, so they can add some quality free agents around Dwight Howard, and before he demands a big pay increase.
Using RealGM’s own trade checker, I have concocted a big trade for both teams. Once this trade is complete, the T-Wolves can look to the NBA draft.
Orlando trade:
Steve Francis
Minnesota trade:
Sam Cassell (expiring contract)
Michael Olowokandi (expiring contract)
Second Round #47 Pick
Trade scenario: 2431990
Francis is the perfect compliment to KG. Sure he can be labelled a little ‘ball greedy’ sometimes, but KG is a very unselfish team player, so these two might just work together. Both of their contracts are up in 4 years time too. So they have a 4 year time frame to win the championship. Orlando also gets an extra draft pick for their efforts also. This is far and away the best deal the Magic could hope for. Any further roster activity (i.e. trading) should be focused on moving Troy Hudson and Trenton Hassell for a legit shooting guard.
NBA Draft:
The Timberwolves have pick #14. This is such a deep draft; a potential rookie starter can be had with the 14th pick. Players to look at here are: Antoine Wright, plan and simple. He can come in immediately contribute to the T-Wolves. Wright is a great shooter, and someone that can be a solid starter for years to come.
Free agency:
Sign Jerome James to the MLE. If he isn’t available, then split the MLE between Eldon Campbell and Zeljko Rebracca. Resign Ervin Johnson for 2 years at the minimum.
Minnesota can end up sporting one of the most dangerous line-ups in the entire league:
C- Jerome James/ Ervin Johnson
F- Kevin Garnett/ Eddie Griffin/ Mark Madsen
F- Wally Szczerbiak / Ndudi Ebi
G- Steve Francis/ Troy Hudson/ Anthony Carter
G- Antoine Wright/ Trenton Hassell/ Fred Hoiberg
Playoffs here we come.
Contact Ryan at: ryanwbennett@gmail.com |
