Wolves Offseason

Coming into the 2008 Offseason, it seemed that the Timberwolves were going to be quiet. Making their draft count as the only upgrade in a year that had quite a few marquee free agents moving seemed to be our fate.

However, McHale, Hoiberd and Co. have made the time off quite interesting. They started with the infamous draft day deal of O.J. Mayo, Marko Jaric, Antoine "shimmyshake" Walker, Greg Buckner for K-Love, Mike Miller, Brian Cardinal, and Jason Collins.

This deal on the surface seemed horrible to most Wolves fans, as we all got caught up in the pre-draft Mayo hype. However, after my nerves calmed down, and I was able to look at this trade through and through, there are nothing but positives that come from it.

First off, it's not a swap of Mayo for Love. It was the switching of a young 2 guard for a young 4/5 along with a sharpshooting 3 . Along with that, not only did the Wolves get a servicable center in Collins, but got rid of some horrendous contracts in Walker and Jaric (however, Jarics fiance will be sorely missed).

Love exceeded expectations in summer league, and was able to show his modeling abilities all in the short time he has been with the team.

The other big trade was the one we did with Philly.
"The Sixers sent swingman Rodney Carney, veteran center Calvin Booth, a protected first-round draft pick and cash to Minnesota for a conditional second-round draft pick. The Timberwolves used a $2.8 million trade exception gained from a trade last December with Miami to make the finances match.

The first-rounder is one Philadelphia acquired in a trade with Utah for shooter Kyle Korver last season. The Wolves will get it if the Jazz pick lower than 22nd in 2009, 17th in 2010, 15th in 2011, 16th in 2012 or 16th in 2013."

So basically since our second round pick is conditional to the point that they have .00001% chance of getting it, we have gotten a young slasher in carney and a 1st round pick for nothing! What a deal!(not to mention the sixers ended up sending money to cover both the contracts as well!)

The other deals we have done are resigning Telfair, Gomes, and Smith. All have 2 years guaranteed, which was important, since we want to head into the 2010 offseason with maximum flexibility to do whatever it is we want at that time. Basically, we kept the guys we needed to to keep our team competitive until we make our move to become a top team.

I like the way this team is headed!