Timberwolves president of basketball operations Tim Connelly realizes it was a risk dealing so many draft picks and rotation players for Rudy Gobert but felt the club needed another impact player to get to the next level, he told Michael Rand of the Minneapolis Star Tribune on a podcast.
“We’re trying to redefine how the league views us,” Connelly said. “We knew we gave up a lot, but the hardest thing to find is elite talent and elite ‘happy’ talent is even harder to find.”
However, there will be a transition period. “It won’t be easy or seamless,” Connelly added. “I’m sure there will be some clunky moments initially. But we felt like we took a huge step forward with the acquisition of Rudy.”
We have more from the Northwest Division:
- Donovan Mitchell thanked former Jazz coach Quin Snyder and Utah fans in an Instagram post as he waits for the blockbuster deal with the Cavaliers to become official. “Thank you for the memories and the incredible times… you guys watched me grow up on and off the floor… Coach Quin thank you for giving me the opportunity and trusting me to lead this team for the past 5 years‼️”
- Grading the impending deal, Sarah Todd of the Deseret News gives the Jazz a B-plus and the Cavs a B. Todd notes the Jazz accomplished their goal of trying to get younger and to come away with some assets for future use. There’s also the possibility of Mitchell or some of Cleveland’s other stars eventually bolting in free agency, which would make those unprotected picks and pick swaps even more valuable.
- Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups is at the EuroBasket tournament in Germany and feels it’s important to show support for his players, such as Bosnia’s Jusuf Nurkic, he told Antonis Stroggylakis of Eurohoops.net. “I love to see guys go play on their national teams,” Billups said. “Because you’re playing the right way. You’re playing with a purpose and obviously because of that experience you’ll be in shape.”
Still cracks me up that the Gobert trade was SO bad that it nuked the entire trade market
It still cracks me up that people think trading 2 role players, 2 young players, and 4 picks that 3 of which should fall way outside of the lottery is a bad deal when you get to add a 3 time DPOY to a team that won 46 games. Especially when that teams biggest weakness is defense.
Ok sure, You bet the Timberwolves and Ill bet they suck sometime in the next decade, probably within 5 years. I bet Ainge gets exactly what he wants, which is at least, probably 2 top 5 picks from this deal.
Ainge is smart he chose the Timberwolves and Cavs to get unprotected picks. He is playing the odds and he will win. Two historically bad franchises.
Ainge just built the EC champs using this same strategy.
I love people who bet on Rudy Golbert and KAT
Utah will have a pick now and if it is too 2 it will be game changing talent. There are two studs for someone. Tim Duncan was the last big this high and Lebron was the last wing this high. He can now give up picks to move up In the next 4 drafts. And He assets to trade In Sexton and Lauri for players at the trade deadline.
Moving kat to the 4 allows him to flourish. My only concern with this trade is bench depth. Big minutes required of Edwards and Russell. Otherwise huge get for Timberwolves. Defense was only weakness of a very talented starting 5.
Not for much longer they won’t. Mr G’ MVP is what all will be chanting In know time.
How did he nuke the trade market? B/c a couple kids said so in some posts? B/c we had to wait a whole month for DM to be traded?
This whole winner/loser thing is beyond silly and NEW- The concept of trading originated with both parties walking away winners, it’s still very much the same concept but clickbait articles want you to believe theres something more at play so you’ll, well click……. Dig Deeper
No way the Jazz get a higher grade on that deal, thats nonsense. Those picks will all likely be 25-30 range and the swaps probably dont happen either. Mobley will be around and hes going to be a 50 win a year player himself.
To be fair she is a local beat reporter. Todd is usually pretty objective but she is going to be swayed by her target audience.
You’re right though, those picks aren’t protected per say but the Cavs core should do a good job of protecting them from being lottery picks.
I don’t get Rudy to Minny. KAT is not an athletic center. His position is only Center. Rudy’s position is only Center. Makes no sense putting all your chips in on same position. They should be a better team. But they will never even make West Finals.
KAT can’t defend but can shoot better than most in the NBA right now. He’s also only 6’10 and can easily be a top 5 PF in the league. This trade is genius imo
He doesn’t move well enough. Plus 4s are more mobile in todays game. Not to mention all teams play small ball. He’s not a 4. His shot is stationary. And it works cause centers guard him. He won’t get as many looks playing along side Rudy. And he can’t get his own shot off the dribble. That’s what two centers mean. In this new NBA. It’s not a winning combination.
You can run a deaf high low game with those two and stretch teams in a different way.
They can make the WCF but not this year. Ant is a stud. This year will be a learn year. The west is brutal for sure. Glad Mitchell went East.
Mitchell trade means Utah is not tanking. This team is better than bottom 6. And could really be better than bottom 10. So how exactly do you rebuild without a top three pick. You give up two top 20 players in NBA for this. Danny has lost it.
Only thing I can see coming here. Cause he’d be a fool to not go for next yrs draft. Is cleaning house totally. Trade Clarkson, Beasley, Bogdanovic, Conley now. Then moving Markkanen, Sexton. Utah can get younger prospects and picks for them. Then they can actually play for a top three pick next yr. Which is like hitting the real lottery. Top three pick next yr. Is projected to be better than Mitchell or as good. That’s how you build a team.
Cavs get a lower grade than Jazz. That’s comical. And this reporter covers ball. Cavs just got into top 4 conversation. They will be better at end of yr. They have a foundation to build a contender for yrs to come. And what they give up. Sexton someone who doesn’t fit their rotation or plans or money. Markkanen another player who does not fit and they can afford to trade. Since Mobley will play more mins. And Okoro is a better fit. Even Love is a better starter right now. I’d say right now. They not only won the trade. But are a much, much better team.
Garland an all star
Allen an all star
Love an all star
Mitchell an all star
Mobley a future all star.
What team in East can say this. And all still young. Love is only 33.
This is a Great trade for Cavs .