A month-and-a-half after we first learned that former NBA player Arron Afflalo was part of an investment group exploring a bid for the Timberwolves, Shams Charania and Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic report that Afflalo’s group has now engaged in talks with the Raine Group (the search firm working with team owner Glen Taylor) about buying the franchise.
According to The Athletic’s duo, the group – which includes entrepreneur Jay Bloom – hasn’t yet met with Taylor for advanced discussions, but is hopeful of getting to that point.
Although Afflalo didn’t spend time with the Timberwolves as a player, he’s close with the Saunders family, according to Charania and Krawczynski, who note that the late Flip Saunders was Afflalo’s first coach in the NBA. The former guard has strong relationships with current Wolves coach Ryan Saunders and president of basketball operations Gersson Rosas, per The Athletic.
Taylor, who wants a commitment from any buyer to keep the franchise in Minnesota, has sought local buyers, but hasn’t had any success on that front so far, Charania and Krawczynski report. Still, Afflalo’s group doesn’t sound like it has any interest in relocating the Wolves. If the group buys the team, there “would be a desire to become pillars in the Twin Cities community,” according to The Athletic.
Here’s more on the Wolves:
- While the Timberwolves will explore what the No. 1 overall pick can get them in a trade, the idea that the selection will net them an established star such as Devin Booker or Ben Simmons is probably unrealistic, says Chris Hine of The Star Tribune. Pointing out that this year’s top pick isn’t as valuable as a typical No. 1 overall selection given the lack of a clear-cut No. 1 prospect, Hine suggests that players such as Victor Oladipo, Caris LeVert, and Aaron Gordon may be more viable targets in any major deal.
- Timberwolves executive VP of basketball operations Sachin Gupta, who created ESPN’s Trade Machine, said there will be “no stone unturned” when it comes to exploring the Wolves’ draft and trade options this offseason, as Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic details. “If you’re not being proactive in trade you’re missing out on one of the most significant ways to impact your roster,” Gupta said. “We are not bashful at all. We try to be creative and generate ideas. We’re not afraid to throw it out there.”
- Gupta added that the Timberwolves aren’t focusing on any specific objective as they consider trade options, but are simply looking to maximize the value of their assets. “We’ve been having a lot of fun just thinking of all of the different possibilities that getting the No. 1 pick has presented us,” Gupta said. “Trading back, trading out, trading for future with the quality of the upcoming drafts and the possibility of, at some point, the double draft. There’s just so much available to us.”
- In case you missed it, Gupta was identified on Tuesday as one of several candidates for the Kings’ head of basketball operations job.
I don’t like the idea of trading No 1 pick for LeVert
Gordon and Oladipo
Especially Heat like Oladipo
They gone trade the 1 pick for Aaron Aflow?
Yes
These possible “trades ” that folks keep suggesting for the Wolves or Warriors are really nutty. Why would the Wolves trade a possible superstar pick (possible) for an established very good player who will soon demand THIRTY MILL A YEAR! Makes absolutely no sense at all. And no, Philly is not gonna trade Simmons and the Suns are not gonna trade Booker.
Future assets man. No one in the top of the draft fits with towns or Russell. We desperately need a pick next year to have more trade flexibility. Trade back to 4, 6, or 8 and get extra assets. The quality of player at those picks isn’t much different.
Trade back……..to about 4/5………..dump Evan Turner and or James Johnson……..get a extra pick in the 1st round and 2nd round.
Double O should be available at the 4/5th pick. He fits best. Big man who can play defense.
Evan Turner isn’t on the roster
Dump him anyway.
Dang yall viscous on here lmao. Poor evan.
I just envision him sitting at home and his friend comes in the room like “ayo they dumped your a$$ again” and him just sitting there sobbing like “WHY THEY DOIN THIS I DONT EVEN PLAY NO NORE”
Edwards is a solid choice. He can be ROY on Wolves team. He has an NBA gm already. Has the body to be very good both ways. He’s bigger than all 2 guards NOW. He and Wiseman are the closest to sure things. In this draft. He makes your team better and deeper. And at only 19. He has big upside. Do not pass on him.
Edwards and Wiseman both aren’t locks to be good shooters in the NBA though, none of these guys are, that’s the problem. Lots of guys who are questionable shooters, but the good thing is if they prove they can shoot, they turn into franchise players/multiple-time all-stars.
Wiseman don’t need to shoot. He’s a franchise center. But he has a descent shot for a true C. Edwards is considered the best scorer athlete in this draft.
FG 42.2%, 3PT FG 29.4%, FT 77.2%
Pts 19.1, ast 2.8, reb 5.2, stl 1.3.
Because of his size and athleticism. Has potential to be 1st team all D team. One nock is bad shot selection at times. That’s cause he was bored. Ready to go pro. He is bigger than all 2 guards now. Do you understand what that means. To be a sure thing. Most important thing is size and talent. Which both have at (19). 3 yrs from now you will understand what I mean.
29.4% sounds like (at least for the moment) he can’t shoot.
NBA 3PT shooting is considered descent at 34%. You can go YouTube and watch him shoot. You’ll see some bad selections. You’ll see bonehead plays. But his form is fine. His ability to get it off. Catch n shoot of dribble is spot on. His mechanics are fine. All that means in pros. He can be taught to shoot better. Real talent gets pushed by real talent. It’s a draft bro. We are all trying to predict the next chapter. Not exactly what he doing now.
One thing to consider is that he was the number one option on a bad team. He was asked to do more with having little. Plus forcing more shots. If he were to come to the Wolves, he would be 3rd or maybe even the 4th option which would help with his development and not require him to come in and instantly be a star.
Cassius Stanley will be one the players out this draft that’ll have a solid career.
Wrong efing last name and article
I dont know who he is but I’d like I’d like to see him be the 1st pick. And who are you to deny him the chance??
The same guy who made him up! lol
Winston is smart, makes 3s, and gets good poised looks. ESPN calls him pudgy; I wonder if that can be ‘toned’ to being called strong! If he sticks he may be called sophisticated.
There are so many pg prospects; espn has him as 10th best; prospects I’ve read well of go down to 16th.
No matter what the Timberpuppies do it will turn out
WRONG !!!!