FRIDAY, 11:40am: The Celtics aren’t interested in dealing for Muhammad before the deadline, one source told Adam Himmelsbach of The Boston Globe.
THURSDAY, 9:29am: The Blazers, Suns and Celtics and other teams are “kicking the tires” on Shabazz Muhammad, according to Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN Twin Cities (Twitter link). The Clippers remain fond of the 23-year-old swingman, Wolfson adds, having first identified the team’s interest in December, though it’s unclear if the Nets and Lakers, two more teams that apparently eyed him earlier this season, still do.
Minnesota was unwilling to trade Muhammad as of December, as Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical on Yahoo Sports reported then, but whether the team has wavered from that stance isn’t known. The 14th overall pick from 2013 has suffered a regression this year, with his minutes down slightly and more significant declines in shooting percentage, shot attempts per game, scoring average and rebounding. He’s seen fewer minutes per game this season than fellow wing players Andrew Wiggins, Zach LaVine, Tayshaun Prince and trade candidate Kevin Martin.
Muhammad is making nearly $2.056MM in the third year of his rookie scale contract, with almost $3.047MM coming next season, the last on the deal. He’s eligible for a rookie scale extension this summer, but given his dearth of playing time, he seems unlikely to receive one.
The Suns would appear to provide the best opportunity for him to see more minutes if he’s traded to Phoenix, especially if P.J. Tucker is no longer there after next week’s trade deadline. The Clippers have been starting Luc Mbah a Moute at small forward, so perhaps an opportunity would exist there. The Celtics and Blazers seem relatively set on the wings.
Although I love TJ Warren, this would be a good move for the Suns, they need all the talent they can get. Clippers are very intriguing but I’m not sure if he fits their style, they definitely have a need at 3. Blazers could use him as a 6th man too. My favorite part of the deadline is seeing these young(er) guys who haven’t reached their potential get traded and flourish somewhere else with more PT a la Tobias Harris, Jae Crowder.
Markief Morris = BONEHEAD
To put it lightly
The Wolves aren’t trading Bazz unless they are totally blown away. More likely they move Martin, and work on a buyout with Prince. This would create more minutes for Bazz.
If not Bazz, both Martin and Prince would be an upgrade for the Blazers bench depth (possibly starting Prince over Gerald Henderson since he is turnover prone). Between Montero/Alexander/Frazier, which of them are the T-Wolves targeting plus Myers Leonard (would be closer to home for him)?
Portland Trailblazers should also include guard Kevin Martin w/ Shabazz in the deal as he can provide veteran leadership w/ playoff experience while w/ Oklahoma City Thunder. Either Alexander, Frazier, and/or Montero is a viable option being shipped to the Timberwolves, esp. if either are great friends w/ star player Andrew Wiggins for great team chemistry towards the future of the franchise.
The Wolves aren’t trading Bazz unless they are totally blown away. More likely they move Martin and work on a buyout with Prince to create more minutes for Bazz.
Muhammad has been productive off the bench. I think the T-Wolves would have to get at least one first-rounder in any deal.
In a league that values first rounders more than ever, Muhammad does not warrant a first rounder. His numbers are solid, but they don’t jump off the page. Maybe a protected first rounder (that goes into the late 20s) and turns into multiple second rounders if it doesn’t fall out of its protection.