The outlook for Brandon Roy hasn't been positive for a while, and a setback a few weeks ago as he recovers from knee surgery derailed his hopes of returning before the All-Star break. Today, Wolves coach Rick Adelman expressed pessimism that Roy will make it back this season at all, as Ray Richardson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press documents.
"If he does play, it will be a pleasant surprise," Adelman said. "I don't expect him at this point."
Roy has suggested he'll retire if he can't make it back on the court this year. Neither Richardson, writing in his report, or Adelman appeared to rule out a return this season, but the idea that Roy is finished has apparently led Minnesota's front office to pursue trades that would attract teams looking for an expiring contract. Roy signed a two-year, $10.4MM deal before the season, but because his knee trouble resurfaced, the second season will likely become non-guaranteed. Roy would have to play in either 65 games or reach 1,400 minutes this season to trigger a guarantee on next year, and both thresholds appear far out of his reach. He's appeared in only five games and played a total of 122 minutes this year.
The Wolves are also interested in a buyout for Roy at some point this season, an idea that's met resistance from Roy's financial adviser. Minnesota may make a stronger push for a buyout after the deadline if they're not able to include Roy in a trade.
It is sad to see his career end, at least he tried to come back. Sad to see a promising career end.
Very disappointing. It didn’t seem likely, but I was really pulling for Roy.