[valentine]

 I know this is a bold thought but hear me out on how the wolves can realistically win next year.

step 1: win the lottery- select Ben Simmons

step 2: with Simmons on board, Durant all of a sudden sees an awesome team, and signs a 2-3 year deal to give it a try

step 3: with Durant signed, help recruit a few more solid vetran free agents to round out the roster, such as Evan Turner and Ryan Anderson

Lineup/ Bench

Kat / Dieng

Simmons, Anderson

Durant/ Turner

Wiggins/ Muhammad

Lavine/ Rubio

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Bankroll PJParticipant]

 You should go play NBA 2K because that’s the only place where you can live out dreams like this

[Bankroll PJParticipant]

 You should go play NBA 2K because that’s the only place where you can live out dreams like this

[SeBirschingParticipant]

 I have nothing against the Timberwolves. I love the core of players they have and I firmly believe they can compete for a playoff spot next year. They’re only going to improve, and they’re going to be a force for years.

However… The odds of the Timberwolves winning the lottery is less than 9%. It’s not impossible for them to win it, but the odds are against it. Also, Durant, if he leaves OKC at all, is probably leaving for San Antonio, Golden State, Washington, or one of the other rumored teams he might go to. I haven’t heard anything about him wanting to play in Minnesota.

And even if they DO win the lottery and they DO sign Kevin Durant, does that make them better than the Warriors, Spurs, and Cavaliers? 

Finally, I would love to see the Timberwolves succeed without a superstar like Durant. Any team can add a Durant or a LeBron and become an instant contender, but few teams can say they genuinely built a contender.

I hope things go well for the Timberwolves, because their future is bright, but this plan is really far-fetched.

 

 

 

[SeBirschingParticipant]

 I have nothing against the Timberwolves. I love the core of players they have and I firmly believe they can compete for a playoff spot next year. They’re only going to improve, and they’re going to be a force for years.

However… The odds of the Timberwolves winning the lottery is less than 9%. It’s not impossible for them to win it, but the odds are against it. Also, Durant, if he leaves OKC at all, is probably leaving for San Antonio, Golden State, Washington, or one of the other rumored teams he might go to. I haven’t heard anything about him wanting to play in Minnesota.

And even if they DO win the lottery and they DO sign Kevin Durant, does that make them better than the Warriors, Spurs, and Cavaliers? 

Finally, I would love to see the Timberwolves succeed without a superstar like Durant. Any team can add a Durant or a LeBron and become an instant contender, but few teams can say they genuinely built a contender.

I hope things go well for the Timberwolves, because their future is bright, but this plan is really far-fetched.

 

 

 

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

 Hmm.

What about if Hassan Whiteside signs with the T Wolves?  Good big man who can board, block shots, and dunk.

He and Towns would be a great twin tower lineup.  Towns can space the floor and shoot outside.  Dieng gives them a good third big.

Draft Buddy Hield.

Leave Wiggins at the 3.  Or, go with some bigger lineups of Shabazz at the 3, Wiggins at the 2, and LaVine at point.

Buddy Hield gives them a legit sniper and raw scorer at the 2.  Either start him or bring him off the bench.

The T Wolves could use another great big.  They could also use some outside shooting and another scorer.  

Whiteside and Hield would be a GREAT combo.

Towns, Whiteside, Wiggins, Rubio, LaVine, Shabazz, and Buddy Hield would form an awesome young core.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

 Hmm.

What about if Hassan Whiteside signs with the T Wolves?  Good big man who can board, block shots, and dunk.

He and Towns would be a great twin tower lineup.  Towns can space the floor and shoot outside.  Dieng gives them a good third big.

Draft Buddy Hield.

Leave Wiggins at the 3.  Or, go with some bigger lineups of Shabazz at the 3, Wiggins at the 2, and LaVine at point.

Buddy Hield gives them a legit sniper and raw scorer at the 2.  Either start him or bring him off the bench.

The T Wolves could use another great big.  They could also use some outside shooting and another scorer.  

Whiteside and Hield would be a GREAT combo.

Towns, Whiteside, Wiggins, Rubio, LaVine, Shabazz, and Buddy Hield would form an awesome young core.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Willfb3Participant]

Minn shouldn’t need to win the lottery for Durant to see he could win there. A core four Durant(27), Wiggins(21), KAT(20), and Lavine(21) with other assests Rubio(25), Dieng (26), Muhammad(23), and lets just say the 5th pick in this years draft, is a scary team now and for years to come.

[phila9012Participant]

 That looks even better if rubio has a shot and they have a defensive coach. I think they have enough scoring but if durant went there Lavine off the bench with muhammed and dieng assuming they draft a PF like bender or sabonis or trade the pick for a PF. I don’t think durant will go there but they do have all the pieces in place and Wiggins and towns actually play defense plus a great head coach in Thibs. The fact that Thibs went there is a good sign for them signing a good free agent. How many other teams are going to win for the next 5 to 8 years, not many. I don’t know if they get durant but I wouldn’t be surprised if they got a good free agent like Batum, or harrison barnes. It wouldn’t make them a title contender but it will make them at least a threat to make the second round and possibly the conference finals.

[phila9012Participant]

 That looks even better if rubio has a shot and they have a defensive coach. I think they have enough scoring but if durant went there Lavine off the bench with muhammed and dieng assuming they draft a PF like bender or sabonis or trade the pick for a PF. I don’t think durant will go there but they do have all the pieces in place and Wiggins and towns actually play defense plus a great head coach in Thibs. The fact that Thibs went there is a good sign for them signing a good free agent. How many other teams are going to win for the next 5 to 8 years, not many. I don’t know if they get durant but I wouldn’t be surprised if they got a good free agent like Batum, or harrison barnes. It wouldn’t make them a title contender but it will make them at least a threat to make the second round and possibly the conference finals.

[Willfb3Participant]

Minn shouldn’t need to win the lottery for Durant to see he could win there. A core four Durant(27), Wiggins(21), KAT(20), and Lavine(21) with other assests Rubio(25), Dieng (26), Muhammad(23), and lets just say the 5th pick in this years draft, is a scary team now and for years to come.

[SeattleSuperChronicsParticipant]

 Wish I could neg you twice

[SeattleSuperChronicsParticipant]

 Wish I could neg you twice

[HazelParticipant]

 Hey guys, let a guy dream.  This is not the IRS message board, this entire website is here because we like to think and dream about basketball.  That is just fine.  

 

 I have a lot more fun reading this post than the silly safe post somebody puts up just to get a few thumbs up.  If I were Durant (dreaming of being in his scenario) I would definitely consider this before San Antonio or Golden State.  I like to build things, not join the guys I can’t beat.  Durant seems to have a similar mindset.  Go somewhere with building blocks and help it grow Durant!  Do it!  

 

 

[TheGuyParticipant]

 NO I MUST KILL YOUR DREAMS AND HOPES.

 

[TheGuyParticipant]

 NO I MUST KILL YOUR DREAMS AND HOPES.

 

[HazelParticipant]

 Hey guys, let a guy dream.  This is not the IRS message board, this entire website is here because we like to think and dream about basketball.  That is just fine.  

 

 I have a lot more fun reading this post than the silly safe post somebody puts up just to get a few thumbs up.  If I were Durant (dreaming of being in his scenario) I would definitely consider this before San Antonio or Golden State.  I like to build things, not join the guys I can’t beat.  Durant seems to have a similar mindset.  Go somewhere with building blocks and help it grow Durant!  Do it!  

 

 

[BiggysmallsParticipant]

 The Wolves have one of the best young cores in the league and a proven elite-level coach now. 

They still won’t sign any big name free agents. They just won’t. Guys aren’t coming to Minnesota for at least another two years. 

We also already had our lottery luck strike last year when we didn’t move down for the first time in franchise history. Doubt lightning strikes twice. I’d be happy if we stayed at 5

 

 

[BiggysmallsParticipant]

 The Wolves have one of the best young cores in the league and a proven elite-level coach now. 

They still won’t sign any big name free agents. They just won’t. Guys aren’t coming to Minnesota for at least another two years. 

We also already had our lottery luck strike last year when we didn’t move down for the first time in franchise history. Doubt lightning strikes twice. I’d be happy if we stayed at 5

 

 

[CavFanPRParticipant]

They should draft Kris Dunn and sign Harrison Barnes to a lucrative offer that prevents the Warriors from matching, like a 4 year 90 million offer for example.

Then, trade Rubio to the Knicks in exchange for Kyle O’Quinn and Derrick Williams. See if you can unload Pekovic as well, but don’t overpay in order to get rid of his contract.

PG: Kris Dunn / Tyus Jones
SG: Andrew Wiggins / Zach Lavine
SF: Harrison Barnes / Shabazz Muhammad / Damjan Rudez
PF: Kyle O’Quinn / Derrick Williams / Adreian Payne / Nemanja Bjelica
C: Karl Towns / Gorgui Dieng / Nikola Pekovic

Coach: Tom Thibodeau

 

 

 

 

 

[CavFanPRParticipant]

They should draft Kris Dunn and sign Harrison Barnes to a lucrative offer that prevents the Warriors from matching, like a 4 year 90 million offer for example.

Then, trade Rubio to the Knicks in exchange for Kyle O’Quinn and Derrick Williams. See if you can unload Pekovic as well, but don’t overpay in order to get rid of his contract.

PG: Kris Dunn / Tyus Jones
SG: Andrew Wiggins / Zach Lavine
SF: Harrison Barnes / Shabazz Muhammad / Damjan Rudez
PF: Kyle O’Quinn / Derrick Williams / Adreian Payne / Nemanja Bjelica
C: Karl Towns / Gorgui Dieng / Nikola Pekovic

Coach: Tom Thibodeau

 

 

 

 

 

[BiggysmallsParticipant]

 ^ Lolz…Why wouldn’t the Wolves just sign a decent PF instead of trade Rubio for two not good ones? 

They could probably flip Muhammad for a decent PF if they signed Barnes. I’d take Taj Gibson for Bazz straight up. Not sure if Chicago views him as a guy who would fetch more than that I guess. 

I’d draft Dunn…but I’d keep Rubio and let Dunn basically run that second unit. Rubio gets hurt and Dunn is ready to step in. Rubio regresses, Dunn is ready to step in. When both guys are up for new deals, you pick which one is better. It makes perfect sense. 

 

 

[BiggysmallsParticipant]

 ^ Lolz…Why wouldn’t the Wolves just sign a decent PF instead of trade Rubio for two not good ones? 

They could probably flip Muhammad for a decent PF if they signed Barnes. I’d take Taj Gibson for Bazz straight up. Not sure if Chicago views him as a guy who would fetch more than that I guess. 

I’d draft Dunn…but I’d keep Rubio and let Dunn basically run that second unit. Rubio gets hurt and Dunn is ready to step in. Rubio regresses, Dunn is ready to step in. When both guys are up for new deals, you pick which one is better. It makes perfect sense. 

 

 

[ExumInfernoParticipant]

 Derrick Williams back to Minnesota, that seems more unlikely than Durant signing.

Winning a top 2 pick in the lottery, 19% chance.

Adding more help, and improving a lot, certainly should happen there.  If a veteran Bull wants to join his old coach, that could be useful too.

Right now, most fans have the offseason plan of Durant signing for their team.

 

 

 

[ExumInfernoParticipant]

 Derrick Williams back to Minnesota, that seems more unlikely than Durant signing.

Winning a top 2 pick in the lottery, 19% chance.

Adding more help, and improving a lot, certainly should happen there.  If a veteran Bull wants to join his old coach, that could be useful too.

Right now, most fans have the offseason plan of Durant signing for their team.

 

 

 

[TravelinTravParticipant]

If the Wolves  do land Simmons it will be a perfect fit, however to be a legit threat they need role players not Durant. (Durant would be awesome) I’m thinking Bradley Beal, and Pau Gasol. If they did sign Pau and Beal I think Dunn would be a good pick. The 2nd unit would be really good Dunn, LaVine or Beal, Shabazz, Deng and Bejaliaca( spelled very wrong) starters Rubio, LaVine or Beal, Wiggins, Pau and KAT. That would be a very strong team and much more likely than Simmons and Durant. 

[TravelinTravParticipant]

If the Wolves  do land Simmons it will be a perfect fit, however to be a legit threat they need role players not Durant. (Durant would be awesome) I’m thinking Bradley Beal, and Pau Gasol. If they did sign Pau and Beal I think Dunn would be a good pick. The 2nd unit would be really good Dunn, LaVine or Beal, Shabazz, Deng and Bejaliaca( spelled very wrong) starters Rubio, LaVine or Beal, Wiggins, Pau and KAT. That would be a very strong team and much more likely than Simmons and Durant. 

[D7H7NParticipant]

lol minnesota is not going to bring in any big money free agents. There is no reason to. The organization knows they would very lucky to even be a fringe playoff team in the next 2 years. The focus should be developing the players and the team chemistry. They’re going to need to save some caproom for Lavine, Wiggins, and then KAT assuming those 3 will be max players.

Cap space goes up every year but so will player salaries. Currently the first tier for max contracts (0-6 years of exp) is almost $16M. That goes up to $21M by 2017. So you’re looking at least $60M presumably for Lavine, Wiggins, and KAT starting sometime in 2017 and 2018. Effective role players and a good bench also does not come cheap unless you get lucky picking up a hidden gem like Shaun Livingston at the MLE.

So it would be incredibly dumb to bring in someone like Durant who wants to win now. They just need to spend the next 2 years finding cheap veterans who fit the team, get good quality rookies, and find out if they need to get rid of Rubio or not. 

 

 

 

[D7H7NParticipant]

lol minnesota is not going to bring in any big money free agents. There is no reason to. The organization knows they would very lucky to even be a fringe playoff team in the next 2 years. The focus should be developing the players and the team chemistry. They’re going to need to save some caproom for Lavine, Wiggins, and then KAT assuming those 3 will be max players.

Cap space goes up every year but so will player salaries. Currently the first tier for max contracts (0-6 years of exp) is almost $16M. That goes up to $21M by 2017. So you’re looking at least $60M presumably for Lavine, Wiggins, and KAT starting sometime in 2017 and 2018. Effective role players and a good bench also does not come cheap unless you get lucky picking up a hidden gem like Shaun Livingston at the MLE.

So it would be incredibly dumb to bring in someone like Durant who wants to win now. They just need to spend the next 2 years finding cheap veterans who fit the team, get good quality rookies, and find out if they need to get rid of Rubio or not. 

 

 

 

[Author]

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