[CoolidgerParticipant]

Looking at the order of the lottery now set, it’s become pretty clear that the Cavaliers are interested in taking Kyrie Irving with the top pick in the 2011 draft. While it’s not certain, it’s likely, and that would leave Minnesota with Derrick Williams at #2.

 

While Williams is still a good player, they end up with a logjam at the foward spots. Kevin Love & Michael Beasley were their top 2 players last year, both are still only 22-23. On top of that, young prospect Anthony Randolph, whom they were interested in, really came on late last year when Kevin Love was sidelined by injury. So, if they do intend on taking Derrick Williams with the second pick (which they should be), then a trade may need to happen to create some room for him.

 

I think that, given his outstanding season last year (don’t know if he deserved the all star nod because he played on the team with the NBA’s worst record, but you can’t deny his talent nonetheless), I think they should keep Kevin Love. That leaves Michael Beasley as the odd man out. It’s also pretty clear that they have needs at the center (upgrade Darko Millicic, he’d make a quality backup but nothing more), and also a true SG who can create his own shot. When I thought of potential players to fit the role, the player who’s name came to mind and made sense was OJ Mayo.

 

It’s well documented about his troubles with Memphis this past season. He did, however, come on in the playoffs and show the world that he is still very talented. Even still, the team almost traded him last year, and that has to still be in the back of his mind.

 

So, here’s the trade.

 

Minnesota Timberwolves get: OJ Mayo, Darrell Arthur

 

Memphis Grizzlies get: Michael Beasley, Luke Ridnour OR The 20th pick that Minnesota owns this year

 

Why this works for Minnesota: They get the true SG they’ve been trying to get since last summer. They get a player who can create off the dribble and help take the pressure off fellow backcourt mate Johnny Flynn. They also get another solid big to add to their bench.

 

Why this works for Memphis: They still get a very good bench scorer who can fill the instant scoring off the bench roll previous filled by Mayo. Beasley would be able to slip back to being a stretch four, and give Memphis a solid 3 man group of big men (Zach Randolph, Michael Beasley & Marc Gasol, should they manage to resign him). Also, it’d give them either a veteran backup PG to take some pressure off Michael Conley and run the Memphis offense while he’s on the bench. OR, they could get a first round draft pick this year, which they don’t have, and add to a bigger need they have. (Kenneth Faried would be a great fit in Memphis, they need energy and big guys off the bench. He also fits the toughness persona of the Memphis team & city)

 

So, I know it’s a little farfetched still, your thoughts anyone?

[TRC1991Participant]

I really don’t see Minnesota keeping the 2nd pick

[cidjulianParticipant]

i would send bynum to minnesota for the number 2 pick and rubio … then have LA send the number 2 pick to memphis for oj majo … minnesota gets rid of rubio and has bynum, beasley and love all under 25 with LA getting oj and rubio as the backcourt of their future while praying for dwight

[Author]

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