After overhauling their roster at the trade deadline, the Timberwolves held a massive press conference today to officially introduce their new players. Malik Beasley, Juan Hernangomez, Jarred Vanderbilt, Omari Spellman, Jacob Evans, James Johnson, and – of course – D’Angelo Russell were are all in attendance.
However, one new Timberwolf was absent: Evan Turner. Acquired for salary-matching purposes in Minnesota’s Robert Covington trade, Turner may not be on the roster for long.
According to Darren Wolfson of SKOR North (Twitter links), Turner was in town this afternoon, but is leaving today before the Timberwolves host the Clippers on Saturday. Wolfson notes that talks were ongoing between Minnesota’s front office and Turner’s representation, with Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic confirming (via Twitter) that the two sides are discussing a possible buyout.
While nothing is done yet, Turner would like the opportunity to join a contender, so he and the Wolves are exploring their options, says Krawczynski.
If he sticks around, Turner could provide short-term ball-handling help for a Timberwolves team that has traded away point guards Jeff Teague and Shabazz Napier in recent weeks. However, he’s in the final season of a four-year contract and isn’t in Minnesota’s long-term plans, so it makes sense that the Wolves would be open to ending that contract early.
A report earlier this week indicated that Turner would likely generate interest if he reaches free agency. The Celtics – his old team – were among the clubs named as potential suitors.
Wolves should take Turner if possible as a mentor for Culver but that is probably not a priority with all the new faces.
As I wrote earlier, those are offensive guys, not defensive guys. They traded with Denver and will likely follow the method of Denver & Jokic but a couple years behind.
I said the same thing, but apparently Turner would rather play for a contender than be a mentor. So the wolves are hooking him up.
So do the Wolves semi tank the rest of this year cause they are still 11 wins from the heavily contested 8th spot.
Obvious answer would be yes but that kinda wastes Malik Beasleys opportunity considering he’s on a 1 year deal, and is kinda the opposite reason for trading for Russell. You got him to pair win towns to win not lose.
They’ve lost 13 in a row, it’s safe to say the Wolves are already in full tank mode right now. They need to stay at the bottom with Golden State, Cleveland, and Atlanta while teams like NY, Charlotte, Washington, Detroit, and Chicago are all trying to catch them for one of the top four picks in the lottery.
My guess… ends up on the Rockets. Can’t shoot at All though, but they could use him to defend. Possibly on the Clippers.
Back to the Blazers?
They could do with a bit of a bench playmaker, he offers versatility 1-3 and was good last season in the playoffs
NO! They cannot aquire him the season they traded him away.
He’s gonna go to The Clippers
What makes Turner think he is good enough to join a contender? It beggars believe his arrogance, when he sucked with Portland & couldn’t even play much for a bottom team like Atlanta, he should be happy to have a job in Minny.
Russell n Towns should be a very gd fit. It was time to move on from Wiggins. Hopefully he finds his role in GS. Should be no pressure there. Time to start Winning. Still young. Wolves going in right direction. This draft has solid 4s. They should be able to get a solid player. Even Okoro at SF. He’s solid defensive, athletic and has gd size. Can’t blow this draft.
While opening up some cap space is nice, ultimately, buying him out just raises the price of the trade and leaves you a player short…
Thank god Wiggins is gone.And with the reception they gave DLo at the airport I’d say MN fans are glad to see him gone. Towns couldn’t even hide his complete happiness with Russel here and Wiggins gone.