A number of teams have inquired about acquiring swingman Shabazz Muhammad from the Timberwolves, according to a report made by Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports. The Nets and the Lakers are fond of Muhammad, according to a report by Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN Twin Cities, though both reporters heard from sources who informed them that Minnesota, despite having depth at Muhammad’s position, is unwilling to trade the 23-year-old.
Muhammad’s NBA career didn’t begin to take off until his second season, when he averaged 13.5 points and 4.1 rebounds in 22.8 minutes per game, though it should be noted that was over just 38 appearances, including 13 starts. He’s appeared in all 20 contests for the Wolves thus far this season, averaging 8.0 points and 2.6 rebounds in 17.6 minutes per night. The 23-year-old is under contract through the 2016/17 campaign after the team exercised his fourth year option in October.
This brings me to the topic for today: Should Minnesota look to trade Shabazz Muhammad, or is he a player whom the team should retain and continue to develop?
The Wolves currently have ample depth at the wing, and despite Muhammad’s level of talent, he’s stuck behind Andrew Wiggins, Tayshaun Prince, and Zach LaVine on Minnesota’s depth chart. Would it be wise for the team to deal him away if it could obtain a useful rotation piece, or would the Wolves be foolish to trade away an up-and-coming young player who is still on his rookie scale contract? Take to the comments section below to share your thoughts and opinions. We look forward to what you have to say.
I say the T-Wolves should keep him unless totally blown away by an offer. Prince will not be on their roster next season and might even be traded away at the deadline. That will open up more minutes for Shabazz. In my opinion with the Wolves going with a youth movement, Shabazz should already be getting most or all of Prince’s minutes now. In his 2nd season, before the injury he was looking like he was turning into a very reliable 6th man, providing instant offense of the bench.
Yes, the Wolves have done a good job with building a foundation for the future. There’s no reason not to hold onto Shabazz.
The Wolves need to keep Shabazz. He is a scoring threat that the Wolves are lacking off the bench. The Wolves need to keep faith in their young talent.
Keep him. I don’t know that they’re going to find a team willing to give up someone of comparable upside to trade for him. If they could manage that, then sure, go ahead and trade him, but that sort of player isn’t going to come from the Lakers (who surely wouldn’t give up Russell, Randle or Clarkson) or the Nets (who don’t have anyone of that caliber).
The wolves should hold on to him. Prince won’t be there next year so he will do fine
Definitely keep him unless Minnesota finds a good offer for him. A great offensive weapon who can play SG or SF with the ability to post up smaller guards and rebounds very well for his size. Most importantly, he’s on contract until after next season, so there’s no rush to move him right away.
I would argue that Shabazz Muhammad is more valuable as a trade chip for the T-Wolves. I know he’s very young, but Muhammad doesn’t pass, he’s about an average rebounder, he doesn’t defend particularly well, doesn’t ever cause turnovers for opposing players, and doesn’t drain the long ball consistently yet. If I were the T-Wolves GM, I’d want to trade him while his name carries some weight. He’s a scorer who can get to the rim and shove guys around. They’ve already got that in both Zach Levine and Andrew Wiggins and could easily get a more valuable, established veteran in a trade for Muhammad if they can absorb the salary. It would benefit the Wolves to add another veteran presence, but perhaps someone younger than Tayshaun Prince who can still provide big minutes and solid defense. Even somebody like Tony Allen, who is quickly losing minutes in Memphis, would provide a huge defensive boost to the Wolves (although I’d imagine the Wolves would want more from Memphis).
If you trade Bazz you make the team that takes him also take on Pek. That’s only way you’d get worth; addition by subtraction.