It's over. Post your offseason plan

[ALessKosherScott]

From what I can tell, here's what we have to look forward to:

 

Either the sixth or seventh pick in the draft.

 

Lots of cap space.

 

Lots of intriguing players about to hit 

 

Lots of holes to fill.

 

So what do we do?

[Bark's Lounge]

I'm going to bed. Not much else to say to that.

[ashbury]

After a good night's sleep, my prescription is this: get a favorable pingpong ball bounce and draft someone good, then go out and sign someone big and defensive-minded. Problem solved.

[ALessKosherScott]

I think the nice part about this team is not having to worry about the ping pong drop. You could almost make the point that whomever will be there at 6 or 7 might be a better fit than landing at 1 and getting Jackson, who in a lot of ways is another version of Wiggins.

 

With that said, the free agent market sets up even better.

 

There's two perfect power forward fits going on the market in Milsap and Ibaka.

 

There's two elite shooters in Korver and Reddick hitting the market.

 

There's two great perimeter defenders in Warren and Igoudala hitting the market.

 

If you can land two of those six, that's a great offseason.

 

 

[kab21]

What about the Thibs connection and Taj Gibson? It seems that he could be acquired at a reasonable price (not near max contract like Ibaka and Milsap). I was thinking that Gibson might be a better fit than Milsap. Better defense and a competent scorer/shooter but doesn't need as many touches. And he could be sub in for both Dieng and Towns instead of commanding a starting spot.

Igoudala peaked my interest also but I wasn't sure if the Warriors would make an attempt to resign him and he would stay to be part of the juggernaut. 

I assume Washington is planning on matching any contract given to Porter and that is why he isn't a fit.

[ALessKosherScott]

I think Gibson solves a lot of problems, but not every problem. In a perfect world you want a power forward who can shoot 3s and defend. Milsap is a better fit for that reason. But Milsap will also be more expensive for that reason.

[kab21]

Right now the only plan that I really like is putting a BIG pile of money out there for Ibaka and landing a defensive 4 that can shoot 3's. Once that has happened go after solid wing with the remaining 5-ish M. Let's assume Ibaka isn't available to the Wolves.

I don't like Millsap all that much. I think he is a so-so defender on a team with so-so defenders and I get concerned how well the offense would flow with Lavine - Wiggins - Milsap - Towns together. I would prefer Taj Gibson who could function more like a 6th man and bring the defense up a level.

Right now I am assuming that Porter and Haywood won't really make it to FA and resign. I am assuming that a Wiggins/Lavine centered trade for a top player doesn't really go anywhere. 

 

JaMychal Green is an interesting RFA. James Johnson is another attainable player that seems to fit. PJ Tucker could fill the role of 6th man on a wing. None of these are great players but they significantly strengthen the Wolves bench while bringing defense and can shoot a few 3's a game. Pair that with the development of the #6 pick and it wouldn't be a terrible offseason.

[ALessKosherScott]

I think you're understating Millsap's defense. My question would be is maxing out a 32-year-old smart?

 

I could go for most of his though.

[ALessKosherScott]

This is dark news. Thib's preoccupation with a point guard who isn't good anymore is a bad sign.

 

http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/19452522/derrick-rose-free-agent-target-minnesota-timberwolves

[kab21]

This type of stuff makes me angry. At least it would if it is to be a starter and Rubio is traded off for not much. I wonder how Rose would look in a 15 min/gm backup role. The second squad needs a scorer even if you stagger Lavine and Wiggins playing time.

 

But the need for a wing and/or a defensive 4 (that can shoot a little) seems so much more pressing. And I hate the idea that Dunn/Jones are busts.

[bluechipper]

I'm of the opinion that adding any players that can contribute is a good thing. I'm guessing/hoping Rose would be looked at as a bench player, and then maybe a package of Dunn and the 7th pick can be used to acquire a wing player.

[bluechipper]

 

But the need for a wing and/or a defensive 4 (that can shoot a little) seems so much more pressing. And I hate the idea that Dunn/Jones are busts.

I think Kris Dunn might have the ceiling of a Marcus Smart type of player. Dunn showed no ability to shoot, which was expected, but I thought he would be able to get into the lane more often. Overall, a really disappointing season for him, and for the record, I was in the Jamal Murray camp last draft.

[rghrbek]

 

I think Kris Dunn might have the ceiling of a Marcus Smart type of player. Dunn showed no ability to shoot, which was expected, but I thought he would be able to get into the lane more often. Overall, a really disappointing season for him, and for the record, I was in the Jamal Murray camp last draft.

I was with you in the Jamal Murray camp....

 

However, this Rose news, is very, very disturbing, only because there is no way, he signs to play here as a back up to Rubio.  None.  He has an ego.  Plus he prefers to stay a Knick.

 

Rubio is significantly more impactful as a point guard than Rose with his overall play.  If we could somehow morph Jone's offensive abilities and Dunn's defensive abilities into one player, then we would have our back up and point guard of the future.  As it stands, those are two very, very flawed players.

[bluechipper]

 

I was with you in the Jamal Murray camp....

 

However, this Rose news, is very, very disturbing, only because there is no way, he signs to play here as a back up to Rubio.  None.  He has an ego.  Plus he prefers to stay a Knick.

 

Rubio is significantly more impactful as a point guard than Rose with his overall play.  If we could somehow morph Jone's offensive abilities and Dunn's defensive abilities into one player, then we would have our back up and point guard of the future.  As it stands, those are two very, very flawed players.

You're probably right that Rose won't accept a backup role yet. I've never been a fan of him off the court either.

[kab21]

 

I think Kris Dunn might have the ceiling of a Marcus Smart type of player. Dunn showed no ability to shoot, which was expected, but I thought he would be able to get into the lane more often. Overall, a really disappointing season for him, and for the record, I was in the Jamal Murray camp last draft.

This is more of a thing where signing Rose to pair with Rubio would indicate both are busts since one or both (or Rubio) would have to be dumped.

I was more in the Hield camp but all 3 picks were reasonable. Hield ended up being the centerpiece for Boogie though. That was unexpected.

[kab21]

If Thibs wants to reunite with anyone from Chicago make it Taj Gibson. He would be a great 25 minute big man role.

ESPN had a great article that says Dieng and KAT are great together (defensive efficiency) which disagrees with my claims (silly me). KAT and Bjelica (or whoever the other big was) was a disaster defensively. Gibson could go a long way to improving that I think even if he can't shoot 3's.

[PseudoSABR]

I don't make much of the Twolves reported interest.  I imagine the source is from Rose's camp seeking to drum up a market, and trying to capitalize on the Rubio for Rose rumor during the season. 

[kab21]

I am going to assume that the Wolves don't have the assets to land Butler nor the appeal to sign a top FA like Hayward or Ibaka. I would take any of those in a heartbeat regardless of the cost. Butler for Lavine, Dunn and pick #7. I am little tentative on signing Millsap (a little too old and likely really expensive).

The boring plan

Draft Isaac at #7 (Markannen if Isaac isn't available) - Malik Monk is intriguing but the Wolves roster (Lavine/Wiggins) kind of blocks him

Sign JaMychal Green (PJ Tucker as a backup) to an overpaid contract as a 6th man - let him get 24+ min/gm guarding larger 3's and stagger Wiggins/Lavine as much as possible. Basically let him match up against Lebron, Kawhi, George and larger 3's that Wiggins struggles against.

 

Let Shabazz go as a FA unless he signs a really friendly deal (<2/10M)

Extend Lavine for Dieng money - makes sense even if you plan to trade him down the road

Extend Wiggins for max years and likely the max amount

 

Starting 5 - Rubio, Lavine, Wiggins, Dieng, Towns

2nd string - Dunn/Jones, Green, Isaac/Bjelica

[kab21]

If the Wolves renounce Shabazz Muhammad's rights then they will have close to 20M in cap room. That should be enough to sign two role players.

 

I think Korver and Redick would be at the top of my list.

 

Danny Green would also be great if he could be had as a salary dump to clear cap room. Unfortunately, the Wolves have very few small trade assets beyond Jones, Bjelica and Patton. I think next years 1st rd pick goes to the Hawks to complete the Payne trade. If it doesn't I think it converts to two 2nd rd picks so they might not even be able to send a timely 2nd rd pick for Green.

 

I would be okay with Brandon Rush coming back as the 4th wing but the wolves also need to add another big man. Preferably one that can from the outside or defend. Preferably both but they will be shopping in the <10M/yr range most likely.

 

 

[ALessKosherScott]

Yep, next years pick goes to the Hawks if they make the playoffs. It doesn't convert to two twos until 2021. 

 

I think the next steps becomes: Does anyone make Shabazz Muhammed a big RFA offer? Is there a point guard who fits better than Rubio and can be reasonably attained for Rubio's $14.1 million cap slot? And how much do you believe in Bjellca? Jones? Aldrich?

 

If they go out and get Lowry its an upgrade at point guard and he probably becomes the second best player on the team after Butler. But he's also going to cost more than Rubio. There's even hints that Holiday might get the max.

 

Outside of that, I think you're looking for one bench power forward who can step in for Dieng when the moment is right, a couple of shooting wings and various flotsam and jetsam.

 

I think the free agent fit I like best is Patrick Patterson as a guy who can spell Butler and play the 4 with either Dieng or Towns at center. But at how much?

 

I like Bjelica, but his ability to stay healthy scares me. I have some belief in Jones as my backup point guard. And Aldrich is that sort of that Leroy Hoard sort of bench piece who if you need 10 minutes of great back up defense will give it to you. If you need 15 minutes of great back up defense in the post, Aldrich will give you 10. 

 

I'll take any wing who shot 40% or better from three last year. Reddick and Korver are the obvious names. Tony Snell? Joe Ignles? Nick Young? I wouldn't turn my nose at any of them for the right price. I also don't mind Bazzy coming back for one more year provided it doesn't involve matching some insane offer.

[Pardon My Dinger]

I guess it's not my plan, but I'm thinking we're going to see Ruby traded somewhere and Rose and Lowry playing PG. I'm a Rubiobo, for sure, but I can't say I'd be too upset with that combo for the next year.

[Pardon My Dinger]

Gotta say, I wouldn't mind finding a way to lose Belly and sign Galinari to fill his role. He'd be much more expensive, but still a drop in the bucket, and he's a way more dependable shooter.

[kab21]

I think the key to the free agent signings this year is to avoid alright players and overpay for them resulting in Mozgof or Deng deals. Ingles and Patterson or any mix of mentioned players for the bench look fine. Preferably for <10M/yr and on 2-3 yr deals. This is kind of where Korver could come in since he is old enough that he can't command too many years or even that high of a contract.

 

guys that I see getting paid are Redick and Galinari. Both are probably looking for starting roles also.

 

I believe in Bjelica enough that there NEEDS to be a solid backup big man. Bjelica does one thing well (I like the potential) but the defense falls apart down low when he comes in. Towns and Dieng are fairly decent together but Towns can't make up for a second weaker defender. Aldrich does nothing for me and is simply a contract that comes off the books at some point (2 years).

 

I have enough confidence in Jones (at least compared to the rest of the second string) that there doesn't need to a better backup brought in but that is more a statement of how little depth the team has. They really need a 20+ min/gm wing and big. Once that is addressed they can look at other needs.

 

 

I guess it's not my plan, but I'm thinking we're going to see Ruby traded somewhere and Rose and Lowry playing PG. I'm a Rubiobo, for sure, but I can't say I'd be too upset with that combo for the next year.

Getting Lowry (4/150M?) and Rose (trading Rubio for no salary) would likely eat up all of the Wolves remaining cap space. No thanks.

 

If the Wolves go that route (trade Rubio) then I am all about Beverly, George Hill or even George Teague. The first is cheaper (under contract but something needs to be sent in a trade) but if they could land Hill/Teague for 15-18M/yr then it could work quite well. But I think it is dangerous to go that route without having a PG deal 100% secured. The worst thing is not having a capable PG for this team. So we might have to wait until the 1st day of FA to see what they have cooking (secret deals until then).

 

[ALessKosherScott]

I think it needs to be said if you get Lowry, Rose becomes a bit non-starter and the Big Three is Butler, Towns, Lowry instead of Butler, Towns, Wiggins.

 

Everyone else is more of a tactical piece. But tactically, there are only so many assists to go around and if Butler is going to eat into what Rubio does well, you may need to change strategy.