[Tight ButtholeParticipant]

http://sports.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981518277

Details…Minnesota sends Derrick Williams and Luke Ridnour to Cleveland for Anderson Varejao.

I remember last year before the draft, Cleveland was trying to acquire the #2 pick to go along with their #1 to draft both Irving and Williams.

Williams has not fully reached his potential after only his rookie season and would surley get a lot more playing time in Cleveland. Ridnour gives them a solid back up point guard with scoring ability opposed to their revolving door of D-League players.

Varejao gives Minny another big body to come in off the bench to help rebound and do a lot of little things to help the team out. He’s owed $17.5 mil over the next 2 season with a team option for 14/15.

If this goes down, who comes out on top? Is there still a lot of upside for Williams to reach, and is Cleveland a good fit for him to reach it? Does Minny give up too much, and is Varejao the player they finally accept after so many trade rumors involving Williams before?

[tyhchsParticipant]

wouldn’t that depend also on whether Orlando goes with that Trade with LA and Cleveland though. Orlando is most likely going to take its sweet time with it since an alt would be to give Orlando Varajao and some picks instead of them getting Bynum

[Tight ButtholeParticipant]

True, but I dont think Cleveland wants any part of the ORL/LA trade unless Bynum agrees to a contract extension which he already said he wouldnt be doing. I know Cleveland fans have their hopes high since Bynum put Cleveland on his short list of teams he’d sign with at the end of next season. But I dont see Cleveland landing Bynum via a trade.

[MikezParticipant]

Neither Bynum or Howard will sign an extension because of money/years regardless of the team they’re traded to.

[MikezParticipant]

I read this earlier on ESPN NBA Rumors, I wanted Derrick Williams first overall in 2011 (Boy was I dumb).

I think if the Cavs can pull off this trade, all they need is a solid starting center.

The only downside is your starting lineup has a total pro experience of 3 years.

PG – Irving (1)
SG – Waiters (R)
SF – Williams (1)
PF – Thompson (1)
C – Zeller (R)

Here is the ESPN source.

T-Wolves shopping Williams/Ridnour?

8:17AM ET

Derrick Williams | Timberwolves

 

Darren Wolfson of ESPN 1000 thinks Minnesota Timberwolves president David Kahn may be shopping a combo of Derrick Williams and Luke Ridnour.

Admitting that he had no inside information, Wolfson speculated that the Wolves may be aiming to acquire Anderson Varejao from the Cleveland Cavaliers.

That would give the Wolves another banger in the paint, who could help rebound and play some D, while the Cavs would end up with last year’s No. 2 overall pick (Williams) and a veteran point guard (Ridnour).

Since this is just a hypothetical trade at this point, we’ll have to take it with a grain of salt, but it does speak to the concerns the Wolves obviously must have about Williams after he shot just 41.2 percent from the field and couldn’t crack the starting lineup as a rook.

 

[Lebron’s HairlineParticipant]

Great trade for Minnesota, risky one for the Cavs. Derrick Williams was seen as the most ”NBA” ready prospect in the 2011 draft by analysts and nbadraft.net(he had a 10 in that column), yet he struggled to find his niche and only shot 41% from the floor. I still can’t believe Cleveland denied golden states trade offer of the #7 pick for varejao and the 24th pick

[akhan786Participant]

0_o wow never heard that rumor.

They could have had Barnes and Waiters right now…

[aamir543Participant]

Love the move for Cleveland, Derrick Williams can ball, he just didn’t get to show it much last season. He’s not gonna be a star, but he’s more than a solid starter, and can really help the Cavs going foward, he didn’t show me anything last season that suggests he’s a bust, he just didn’t get many minutes on a foward-laden Minny team.

The T-Wolves meanwhile are apparently going all out on a all-foreign team, they have Rubio, Shevd, Kirilenko, Pek, Barea, and now Varejao. I can understand this move but I don’t like it, I don’t look at this as giving up on D-Will, but mearly accepting that he won’t get the run at PF that he needs to be successfull.

[TyroberParticipant]

 Really seems to help both teams imo. Lots of people are always down on Varejao, but he is a double double machine and plays hard every second he is on the court. Cavs get younger and add a solid piece, but the only problem seems to be that Thompson and Williams best position is PF.

[TheArtistPaysthePriceParticipant]

and as mentioned above by almost everyone, that this would seem to be one of the rare occassions that a deal is great for both sides. Cleveland gets younger and more promising and most important shows Kyrie that they have a savy GM and will do whatever necessary to build a winner long term. I also like that the Cavs ended up with Waitor’s and not Barnes or MKG. I would have loved MKG and liked/respected a Barnes pick, but it proved that a guys relationship with Kyrie doesnt hold as much weight as the coaches and GM’s evauluation of particular talents and process for building a contender. Lebron running the show here for a while proved letting a player determine personel is dumb. From players to the Q’s DJ were Bron’s picks. JJ and Jamison over Amare also. Remember when Kobe wanted J Kidd for Bynum.

As for any potential Bynum deal, if anything is thier anyway, this gives the Cavs even more pieces. Derrick Williams is more attractive to the Magic than is Wild Thing. He is cheaper and younger. It also gives them the option to part with Tristan Thompson if necessary, hopefully not though. Word was that TT or Zeller had to go to Orlando. Orlando just drafted Nichols and he looks nice so maybe Zeller was key, IDK. Minny wants to crack into that top 6 of Western Conference teams and this would be helpful to do that. With a pass first point like Rubio, Andy constant motion will help and let Kevin Love continue to expand his range without leaving them baron on the offensive boards.

Only thing is this gives Cavs, 5 players under 6’2 with guaranteed contracts, Ridnour, Irving, Boobie, Sloan, Pargo.

[ENOGSIWONdede]

 Pekovic would not start over Varejeao are you stupid?  Varejeao is the 3rd best defensive player in the NBA.

[Lebron’s HairlineParticipant]

Pekovic Is a good starting center with a lot of potential which he showed last year he will start, varejao at this point in his career is a solid backup on a playoff team which the timberwolves certainly are

[geothermalParticipant]

will be good for Zeller, would have more playing time, he could showcase his talent early in his career

[TheArtistPaysthePriceParticipant]

Zeller should have much more oppounity to shine but who backs him up, Samardo Samuels? He is not a center either. Andy is better at the 4 than 5 but he was highly servicable at the 5. That Eric Hagg guy from summerleague was terrible. He is big and soft and doesnt have Bball instincts and if he plays 15 minutes a game, thats 15 minutes I will be turning the channel or standing in lines at consessions stands.

[u mad broParticipant]

As a wolves fan all i can say is fuck my life. this trade better not happen!

[NbanflguyParticipant]

Pekovic would not start over Varejeao are you stupid? Varejeao is the 3rd best defensive player in the NBA

No your stupid if you think Varejeao would start over Pek. As a starter last year, Pekovic averaged 15.4 ppg and 8.5 rpg in only 30 mpg. He shot 56% from the field and 74% from the free throw line. Those numbers could have been higher to because he fought ankle and hamstring injuries all year and had to come out of some games just minutes into the game after the pain was too much. He had surgery over the summer and is now healthy. He is arguably the strongest player in the NBA and just outmuscles everyone including the likes of Dwight Howard and Andrew Bynum. He had many games where he just dominated and was the best player on the court. He is young and will only get better.

[bloodshyParticipant]

It’s about time someone brought some sanity to this thread.  This is a terrible trade for the Wolves.  It would be worse than Kahn drafting two pgs at the top of the draft.  Varejeao is simply not that good.  There’s no way he’d start for the Wolves.  He’d be better than what they have coming off the bench at the 5, but that’s it.  And he’s not getting better–he is who he is.  Additionally, he’s paid at least what he’s worth.

On the other hand DWill has all-star potential.  People getting bent out of shape over his 41% shooting are crazy.  Look no further than Kobe or Cousins to see that 41% under DWill’s circumstances is not a deal breaker.  Last year was his first year in the league and his first year on the wing.  He did that with no training camp while getting sporadic minutes.  At the end of the day, DWill’s value is far higher than Varejeao–it’s not close.  This trade could never happen.

I’m one of those that though the Wolves made a bad decision drafting DWill.  I think he’s a terrible fit there and is unlikely to reach his potential on that team.  I’d love to see him traded to a place he could thrive.  However, his value as an asset is still very high–certainly much higher than what’s offered in this deal.

[invalidParticipant]

not good for minny. just last season we’re discussing beasley and dwill can co exist then later we give it a time to have the better player moving forward. and now this, giving up on both talented players. im going to be disappointed if this goes down. not to mention ridnour moving out too?? are you kidding me.. having varejao is good but this is giving up too much. still have pekovic who i think is the better player right now

[omphalosParticipant]

 I love this trade for Cleveland and for Williams. Cavs get a Sf/Pf with huge upside and still has star capacity, despite a season where he wasn’t given too many opportunities and really struggled once Rubio went down. Williams is given a chance to start at the 3 – the position he’s working towards playing – and should get along better with Scott than Adelman (who isn’t a particularly nurturing coach, expects results and thinks short-term success rather than letting young players develop by making mistakes, from what I’ve seen.)

Honestly, Williams is in danger of falling into obscurity as a player without a defined position or a whole lot of HS hype to live off. He took the NBA by surprise in college, but he isn’t a household name like a Beasley or Mayo where he’ll have long-time fans backing him and giving him more opportunities.

This would be great for Williams because Minny is in win-now mode and he just isn’t there yet. The Cavs would offer him a chance to grow with other young players and be given more of a green light.

[A Lil EnglishParticipant]

Why the fuk would Minnesota do this?

 

They drafted this guy number 2 LAST YEAR when clearly his best position would be PF the same position of their co-franchise player, aswell as Beasley and Randolph (two talented players with "upside") and then they let those 2 go, trade Wes Johnson and then NOW they want to trade him AND Ridnour after their franchise PG gets a long term injury??? 

 

For Varejao?? A freaking centre!! After they signed Stiemsma to backup Pekovic??? WTF???

 

Why didn’t they just trade the pick before the draft to one of the many teams who saw what a phenom he was at Arizona??

 

And of course it’s great for Cleveland!!

[Toronto16Participant]

 Why would Kahn do this?? Can someone please explain to me?

[TheArtistPaysthePriceParticipant]

drafting turned out, he is still David Kahn. The only GOOD reason he would consider it may be because Pek is set to be a free agent and Andy has a few years left that would still give Love a servicable center.

DWill is a iso player (jumpshooter) and his development may not sit well with Love. Right now his main move is dribble for 4-5 seconds with a guy in front of him and then pull up from mid range. He can drive past 4’s but exclusively pulls up on quicker 3’s.

Berea and Ridnour represent 9 million dollars of back up point guard. If Roy is healthy enough to play then thats to much for back up points and undersized two’s. No matter what the two guard defense will be weak and shot blocking help defense specialist bigs like Andy are a must to have.

Berea and Ridnour’s contract status cancels the plus of having Rubio on a rookie deal. With Alexy you still have 15 million dollars worth of point guards.

All in all, I still need a little more if im Minny.

[HobbyOGParticipant]

Would be a good trade for the Cavs…would make them a little more exciting and Verijo is over paid….

[doubledribblerParticipant]

The trade makes sense to me. Love wants out if the Wolves don’t get competitive fast. As it stands right now, there probably won’t be many minutes for Williams and I’m not sure Adelman is very high on him. Varejo would back up the 4 and the 5, plus they need another defender and veteran on the team. He would work well beside Pek or Love at any point in the game.

If you are Cleveland, it’s a low risk high reward. You are a team that free agents don’t flock to. You shed a more expensive contract. You have nothing to lose.

[GrovesinternationalParticipant]

 Derrick Williams doesn’t even need to start in Mennesota… i can’t see any benefit for the T’Wolves in making this trade

[invalidParticipant]

a bit off topic but its posible to trade dhoward to the wolves. would you do it for dwill,pekovic,ridnour,barea and fillers? and the orl can trade some of their role players for future picks. heee. jus dreamin for the wolves, 🙁

[zcnumerounoParticipant]

 The Cavs trade their overrated big man for a good backup PG, and a potential future all star? Sounds good to me. I believe Derrick Williams will be a good player in the NBA, he just needs more time. Remember Evan Turner? He started off very slowly to his NBA career after being a #2 pick, and he just came off of a very good postseason which flashed his all star potential. David Kahn would be foolish to pull the trigger on this trade.

[mj23mj23besteverParticipant]

 the twolves have obviously given up on williams which imo is their perogative if they dont want him trade him somehting i dont like in this trade is getting rid of a solid vet in luke r he and ricky rubs played very well together last year while i love andy v this is a great trade for the cavs they get a solid vet who could either be a back up pg or like he did lasy year with rubio start at the 2 allowing waiters too be a 6th man which imo works out well for waiters taking alot of pressure off him being a starter andy v does provide a high energy back up at either the 4 or 5 and would work alongiside either k love or pek 

[KHAM83Participant]

This trade may not be even., but right now, winning is the most important thing in Minny. They have Love and Rubio to build around, and Verajo brings that must needed big man off then bench that every contender needs. Williams has potential to be great, but he’s a pf and WILL not succeed as a sf in Minny. You want the best out of Love and Rubio, you need to get them experience in the playoffs. Just like Washington, many people questioned them taking on Okafors/Ariza’s contracts, but to help Wall improve, they need him to experience winning now.

As for Williams, I wasnt high on him coming into the draft last year, but I am now. You cannot judge him last year as he played out of position. I love him next to Kyrie (whos becoming my favorite player) alongside Zeller. I think TT is best as that important piece off the bench, BUT if that Bynum deal does occur, I believe I read it was Zeller and TT heading to Orlando. Clevland can definitely do this deal and Williams/Bynum front court will be a great combo.

[HitsterParticipant]

Personally I don’t like the trade for T-Wolves, they take a guy with $17 million on his contract over the next two years,who was mainly a back up for most of his Cleveland career and has only played 56 games over the last two years for a guy who was 2nd pick last year. I doubt that Utah would give up either Kanter or Favours for a similar deal and the 76ers would laugh Cleveland out of the building if they offered up that for Evan Turner.

If Cleveland threw in a pick or two ( maybe the Miami ones) then the deal would look good and if Cleveland do have a young team then they are starting over and will build around that going forward.

[TheArtistPaysthePriceParticipant]

the deal doesnt look that good for Minny, but it’s win now time for them. I’m a Cleveland fan first so I am biased of course but there are reasons why this could work for Minny.

They can sign Anthony Tolliver (sort of a poor mans Derrick Williams) for like half of DerWill’s rookie scale deal.

Adelman doesnt like young players all that much and loves loves motion and cutting. Remember Gerwald Wallace with Adelman, he got no love. I mean he was young, probably wasnt ready and had ultimate talent in front of him but no love at all from Adelman.

Andy is a back door cutting specialist that a pg with the passing acumen of Rubio will hit 3-4 times a game. PG’s with a great look, like Rubio and Paul, yeah I said it, can make a player like Varajoa look a lot better. He has had a great +- since his first year in the league, even when the Cav’s have been terrible.

He is also a great offensive rebounder and compliments Love defensive rebounding abilities. And Luke is getting 8 million over the next two years guaranteed.

Pek will be a restricted free agent I believe after this year and with Lopez and Hibbert getting max deals, he should expect and take nothing less than 4 years 48 mil. He is a beast and may out price himself, Andy also lowers his future cost by his presence lowering the value and stats of Pek.

The Cav’s should have to throw in a late first round pick but it won’t happen. Grant just wont do it, my guess is thats why this won’t happen. I say throw in a MIA first and a future second. 

[NbanflguyParticipant]

Varejao kind of intrigues me; he’s solid as a pick n roll player and gives us a hustle player w/ some skill in the front court. I"m always interested in adding more energy. Overall though I’d recommend no moves; we’ve made a ton of moves already and we need to sit back and evaluate the team in some games before more moves because we don’t really know where our strengths and weaknesses are yet.

[CavsFan07Participant]

As a Cleveland fan, I don’t allow myself to get excited about any trade ‘rumors’ that arise. We’ve been involved in about a dozen trade rumors since the season ended and how many of them fell through? None worth mentioning. 

I don’t mean this in a derogatory way, but does Kahn seriously want his entire team to be white guys? Barea, Budinger, Hummel, Kirilenko, Love, Pekovic, Ridnour, Rubio, Shved, Steimsma, and potentially Varejao? They trade Wesley Johnson, Martell Webster and Anthony Tolliver are free agents, and now they’re shopping Derrick Williams? lol.. Please tell me I’m not the only one noticing this?

[ENOGSIWONdede]

 Varejeao has less melanin than Williams thats why they want to make the trade lets not over analyze it here boys

[kobyzParticipant]

does Anderson Varejao is the BWPA(best white player available)?

[badman32207Participant]

This is the best roster for the wolves after the K.G. era,  he added some free agents (Brandon Roy, Kirilenko and Shved) who are trying to prove that they deserve to be in the league, but even without seeing how the new acquisitions blend with the hold-overs, Mr. Khan is already looking to move some of the players. Not to mention that it’s too early to give up on Derrick Williams, he’s a natural power forward, he’s playing behind Kevin Love, who’s one of the best power forwards. Give him some more time to adjust to playing the small forward position. I hope this remains a rumor because this roster has a good chance of making the playoffs as long as Roy and A.K. returns to their old form.

 

 

[Author]

Posts