[TyroberParticipant]

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/11320537/kevin-love-trade-cleveland-cavaliers-minnesota-timberwolves-agreement-place The Minnesota Timberwolves have reached an agreement in principle to trade Kevin Love to the Cleveland Cavaliers for No. 1 overall pick Andrew Wiggins, 2013 No. 1 overall pick Anthony Bennett and a protected 2015 first-round draft pick, Yahoo! Sports is reporting. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported Monday that the Cavs and Timberwolves have a "handshake agreement" for a Love trade. Yahoo! Sports reported on Thursday that Love has committed to opt out of his contract in 2015 and re-sign with Cleveland next summer five years and $120 million-plus. The trade cannot be finalized until Aug. 23. Sources have told ESPN.com that Love is highly intrigued by the idea of playing alongside his Olympic teammate on a full-time basis and is not put off by the fact that James’ new contract with the Cavs spans only two seasons and includes a player option to return to free agency next summer. Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor told the St. Paul Pioneer Press last weekend that a trade of Love was "likely" by Aug. 23 or Aug. 24, coinciding with the first day Wiggins can be traded. Wiggins told ESPN on Sunday that he just wants to play in a place where he’s wanted when he was asked about the uncertainty over his future. Bound to happen sooner or later…

[ballislyfe25Participant]

Win-win for both teams. Minnesota gets a chance to develop a young, athletic core that is filled with potential (and hopefully free up some more cap space by dumping Martin or Barea) and Cleveland gets their 5-year championship window with LeBron.

I cannot wait to watch both teams play. Minnesota is going to be a league pass favorite, and fans have to be excited about the potential of Rubio (age 23), LaVine (19), Wiggins (19) and Bennett (21) developing together over the course of a few years. Throw in Gorgui Dieng (age 24, impressive first season) and some future lottery picks and they could have a real serious team. It’ll be fun.

Cleveland, along with Chicago, will be the favorite in the Eastern conference, which definitely got a little stronger (still not as tough/deep as the West). It will be fun watching them compete to win-now, and develop an identity with so many multidimensional and talented players, many of who seem to compliment each other nicely.

[ballislyfe25Participant]

Win-win for both teams. Minnesota gets a chance to develop a young, athletic core that is filled with potential (and hopefully free up some more cap space by dumping Martin or Barea) and Cleveland gets their 5-year championship window with LeBron.

I cannot wait to watch both teams play. Minnesota is going to be a league pass favorite, and fans have to be excited about the potential of Rubio (age 23), LaVine (19), Wiggins (19) and Bennett (21) developing together over the course of a few years. Throw in Gorgui Dieng (age 24, impressive first season) and some future lottery picks and they could have a real serious team. It’ll be fun.

Cleveland, along with Chicago, will be the favorite in the Eastern conference, which definitely got a little stronger (still not as tough/deep as the West). It will be fun watching them compete to win-now, and develop an identity with so many multidimensional and talented players, many of who seem to compliment each other nicely.

[joecheck88Participant]

 We know how I feel about it. I’m confident Wiggins will be a star on both sides of the ball. I would wager that Minny will win a championship before Cleveland. 

[ProudGrandpaParticipant]

…But this dude named Lebron James already is a star on both sides of the ball.  And has Kevin Love on his team.

[ProudGrandpaParticipant]

…But this dude named Lebron James already is a star on both sides of the ball.  And has Kevin Love on his team.

[joecheck88Participant]

No I get that but what made those championship teams in Miami was perimeter defense. We saw what just Lebron does. It loses to SA. I think the depth of having Wiggins and Lebron would’ve made them an elite unit defensively whereas now I’m not sure they’ll be able to handle the Spurs and Thunder of the world. 

[joecheck88Participant]

No I get that but what made those championship teams in Miami was perimeter defense. We saw what just Lebron does. It loses to SA. I think the depth of having Wiggins and Lebron would’ve made them an elite unit defensively whereas now I’m not sure they’ll be able to handle the Spurs and Thunder of the world. 

[the I in winParticipant]

they don’t have just LeBron james, they have a collection of talent that seems as if it will mesh better and be more productive then the heat big 3 ever were together.  Also the LeBron effect of attracting free agents and mid season buyouts is and will continue.

I’ll assume that if I mention that the heat also beat the spurs that you will say something about ray allen’s shot and to that I will respond "do you really think the only factor in the spurs winning was a few more passes or the only reason the heat lost is because Ray didn’t hit a shot?"  For the next 2 seasons at least I would dare say that Ronnie brewer could have a similar impact that wiggins does minus many bad pull up jumpers due to a lack of offense (just a lack of shooting at all).

[joecheck88Participant]

 No I would say that the Heat lost to the better team the second time around. It was a 50/50 series the year before and it wasn’t the next. The collection of talent and pieces around SA made them better. The fact that thu had 12 guys all on the same page and playing together for a few years is why they beat Miami the second time. 

The Cavs could’ve had the same type of thing going for them. Their core 8-9 guys and adding a couple more complimentary pieces that fit. Fit and high character go a long way. As well as defense. Everyone in Miami was trying to play defense but they lacked athleticism and it was basically Lebron having to do most of the work. 

[joecheck88Participant]

 No I would say that the Heat lost to the better team the second time around. It was a 50/50 series the year before and it wasn’t the next. The collection of talent and pieces around SA made them better. The fact that thu had 12 guys all on the same page and playing together for a few years is why they beat Miami the second time. 

The Cavs could’ve had the same type of thing going for them. Their core 8-9 guys and adding a couple more complimentary pieces that fit. Fit and high character go a long way. As well as defense. Everyone in Miami was trying to play defense but they lacked athleticism and it was basically Lebron having to do most of the work. 

[the I in winParticipant]

I agree with everything in this comment, however I think the lack of defensive athleticism can be addressed without keeping Wiggins while you get the benefit of having Love.

[the I in winParticipant]

I agree with everything in this comment, however I think the lack of defensive athleticism can be addressed without keeping Wiggins while you get the benefit of having Love.

[the I in winParticipant]

they don’t have just LeBron james, they have a collection of talent that seems as if it will mesh better and be more productive then the heat big 3 ever were together.  Also the LeBron effect of attracting free agents and mid season buyouts is and will continue.

I’ll assume that if I mention that the heat also beat the spurs that you will say something about ray allen’s shot and to that I will respond "do you really think the only factor in the spurs winning was a few more passes or the only reason the heat lost is because Ray didn’t hit a shot?"  For the next 2 seasons at least I would dare say that Ronnie brewer could have a similar impact that wiggins does minus many bad pull up jumpers due to a lack of offense (just a lack of shooting at all).

[ProudGrandpaParticipant]

But you also said that the Wolves will win one before the Cavs with Lebron. So basically what you’re saying is (and pardon me if I’m putting words in your mouth) that Wiggins will be a better defender than Lebron in the near future and this will be enough to put the Wolves both ahead of the Cavs and ahead of the rest of the league.

[ProudGrandpaParticipant]

But you also said that the Wolves will win one before the Cavs with Lebron. So basically what you’re saying is (and pardon me if I’m putting words in your mouth) that Wiggins will be a better defender than Lebron in the near future and this will be enough to put the Wolves both ahead of the Cavs and ahead of the rest of the league.

[joecheck88Participant]

I think Wiggins will be a terrific defender. Will he better than Lebron? He could be because he has excellent lateral movement. It wasn’t an argument whether he would be better though. It was more that Lebron and Wiggins together could be devastating defensively. I think offensively the Cavs are fine without Love. They would be a better transition team with Wiggins and most likely better defensively. You don’t need a big 3 to compete(see SA) but it could’ve been a big 3 with two great defenders. 

I get that it is an if but I’d be willing to gamble on Wiggins because my scouting of him I think he’s a perfect fit. He doesn’t need to be a killer offensively. He can come along at his own pace and help with perimeter defense. Wiggins at worst would’ve been a great 3rd option and defensive stopper. Helping Lebron age a little more gracefully. 

I went a little far with Minny will win a championship. What I should’ve said is that I’m not convinced, on paper, Cleveland is better than SA, OKC or Chicago. That I’m more confident Cleveland could win a championship in the next 5 years with Wiggins than with Love. It’s my opinion and I’m in the minority but it’s how I feel. I’ve never questioned Wiggins talent as most have either. I don’t doubt he will be a star. I’m sure at worst he’s a better defensive player than Derozan and believe he will be a mixture of Kawhi Leonard and Demar Serozan. I think that’s a great fit for Cleveland. 

[joecheck88Participant]

I think Wiggins will be a terrific defender. Will he better than Lebron? He could be because he has excellent lateral movement. It wasn’t an argument whether he would be better though. It was more that Lebron and Wiggins together could be devastating defensively. I think offensively the Cavs are fine without Love. They would be a better transition team with Wiggins and most likely better defensively. You don’t need a big 3 to compete(see SA) but it could’ve been a big 3 with two great defenders. 

I get that it is an if but I’d be willing to gamble on Wiggins because my scouting of him I think he’s a perfect fit. He doesn’t need to be a killer offensively. He can come along at his own pace and help with perimeter defense. Wiggins at worst would’ve been a great 3rd option and defensive stopper. Helping Lebron age a little more gracefully. 

I went a little far with Minny will win a championship. What I should’ve said is that I’m not convinced, on paper, Cleveland is better than SA, OKC or Chicago. That I’m more confident Cleveland could win a championship in the next 5 years with Wiggins than with Love. It’s my opinion and I’m in the minority but it’s how I feel. I’ve never questioned Wiggins talent as most have either. I don’t doubt he will be a star. I’m sure at worst he’s a better defensive player than Derozan and believe he will be a mixture of Kawhi Leonard and Demar Serozan. I think that’s a great fit for Cleveland. 

[CanadianGMParticipant]

Easy now Dan Gilbert.

[CanadianGMParticipant]

Easy now Dan Gilbert.

[LitteringAnd…Participant]

 hahah damnit beat me to it! 

[LitteringAnd…Participant]

 hahah damnit beat me to it! 

[frogmanParticipant]

Can I get in on this wager against you?

[frogmanParticipant]

Can I get in on this wager against you?

[joecheck88Participant]

Lol. I backed off a bit. It was a bit premature. I won’t bet on Minny. But I would bet on the field over Cleveland for the next 5 years as it stands. 

[joecheck88Participant]

Lol. I backed off a bit. It was a bit premature. I won’t bet on Minny. But I would bet on the field over Cleveland for the next 5 years as it stands. 

[joecheck88Participant]

 We know how I feel about it. I’m confident Wiggins will be a star on both sides of the ball. I would wager that Minny will win a championship before Cleveland. 

[WhodunitParticipant]

 Im not on the Love to Cleveland bandwagon… I think of Bosh on Miami… He was the only true big man they had on those teams. And what was his most important contribution to those Championship teams????

 

DEFENSE! Yes he stretched the floor and allowed for spacing and ball movement. And hes a high BBallIQ player who made the right plays. But his most important job in the playoffs was to guard the paint and defend the opposing teams best Big. We remember how much Miami suffered defensively when he went out especially when they no longer were able to play their swarming defense this past year that had been their trademark to the 2 rings. The space and pace style they ran where they defend frenetically and try for fast breaks.

 

So Love will be able to stretch the floor and probably do a better job of that than Bosh. He’ll also rebound much much better than Bosh. But what about the other 50% of Basketball, Defense? He’s not a great athlete and is gonna be slow and inept indefending the other teams big man. Whats the Cavs plan, to put up 130points every night?

 

Varejao is always injured and will be pretty good at defending the pick and rolls but  man post coverage and defending the paint are not his strong suits. Whose gonna do all that unglamorous dirty work? Are they gonna bring in another Big man Center to fill that role? Tristan is not the answer either. Whose gonna defend the basket when all these quick PG’s are drivng at it. Also Love’s game is suited for a slower pace, the Cavs will wanna push the pace (reason why Lebron lost all that weight?)

Offensively they’ll be great plus they have an offensive-savant of a coach is what we’re told. But what about the other side of the ball that WAS Miami’s identity those 4 years. They need another Big man center whose sole purpose is to crash the boards and Defend the paint. There isnt anyone available in free agency to fill that role.

Kevin Love to Cleveland, NOT a slam dunk.

 

(also i am so sad to see Wiggins go. He would have been Great next to Lebron and would have eased the load on him immensely and eventually taken over when Lbj retired. I dont get why they didn’t wait until January to make this deal after they saw what Bennett and Wiggins looked like this year. Ok, if both of them sucked then they’d be stuck in a bad way, but the chances of both of them sucking was slim.)

[FearTheStacheParticipant]

 Yes, Kevin Love was no Bosh defensively. But it is not as though Wiggins was a rim-protecting big man either. 

[FearTheStacheParticipant]

 Yes, Kevin Love was no Bosh defensively. But it is not as though Wiggins was a rim-protecting big man either. 

[BlueLacesParticipant]

 Love’s game is most definitely suited for a team that wants to run. He is the best rebounder in the league and is by far the best outlet passer. That alone will lead to transition buckets and if it doesn’t, you still have to keep an eye on him as a trailer because if his guy runs to defend the basket, he will stop at the 3pt line and pop 3’s on the secondary break all game long. 

[BlueLacesParticipant]

 Love’s game is most definitely suited for a team that wants to run. He is the best rebounder in the league and is by far the best outlet passer. That alone will lead to transition buckets and if it doesn’t, you still have to keep an eye on him as a trailer because if his guy runs to defend the basket, he will stop at the 3pt line and pop 3’s on the secondary break all game long. 

[WhodunitParticipant]

 Im not on the Love to Cleveland bandwagon… I think of Bosh on Miami… He was the only true big man they had on those teams. And what was his most important contribution to those Championship teams????

 

DEFENSE! Yes he stretched the floor and allowed for spacing and ball movement. And hes a high BBallIQ player who made the right plays. But his most important job in the playoffs was to guard the paint and defend the opposing teams best Big. We remember how much Miami suffered defensively when he went out especially when they no longer were able to play their swarming defense this past year that had been their trademark to the 2 rings. The space and pace style they ran where they defend frenetically and try for fast breaks.

 

So Love will be able to stretch the floor and probably do a better job of that than Bosh. He’ll also rebound much much better than Bosh. But what about the other 50% of Basketball, Defense? He’s not a great athlete and is gonna be slow and inept indefending the other teams big man. Whats the Cavs plan, to put up 130points every night?

 

Varejao is always injured and will be pretty good at defending the pick and rolls but  man post coverage and defending the paint are not his strong suits. Whose gonna do all that unglamorous dirty work? Are they gonna bring in another Big man Center to fill that role? Tristan is not the answer either. Whose gonna defend the basket when all these quick PG’s are drivng at it. Also Love’s game is suited for a slower pace, the Cavs will wanna push the pace (reason why Lebron lost all that weight?)

Offensively they’ll be great plus they have an offensive-savant of a coach is what we’re told. But what about the other side of the ball that WAS Miami’s identity those 4 years. They need another Big man center whose sole purpose is to crash the boards and Defend the paint. There isnt anyone available in free agency to fill that role.

Kevin Love to Cleveland, NOT a slam dunk.

 

(also i am so sad to see Wiggins go. He would have been Great next to Lebron and would have eased the load on him immensely and eventually taken over when Lbj retired. I dont get why they didn’t wait until January to make this deal after they saw what Bennett and Wiggins looked like this year. Ok, if both of them sucked then they’d be stuck in a bad way, but the chances of both of them sucking was slim.)

[NeggedAlterEgosAlterEgo]

cavs want to take east by storm with a huge rival out in the pacers they made a push.

if Andrew wiggins turns into a top 10 player this deal is horrible not because they traded him for a current top 10 because in my mind they could of had both no matter what ppl say.

but if its a done deal….

 

thing is the wolves are still capable of competing with the current infrastructure unless pek and Rubio are completely gone so I don’t see a top draft pick just because they lose love.

they have lavine,rubio and wiggins I think they will compete to win as they rebuild.

im not mad at cavs just wish they could have kept wiggins but they want to win now

[WhodunitParticipant]

 They could have kept all their young players and signed Love next offseason. If need be, they could have traded some of their young guys for cap space AFTER seeing what they looked like together for the first 30games of this season.

Bad bad move Cleveland. Also Kevin Love has only played in 76% of games his whole Nba career(364played/476possible). Meaning he’s injury prone. Keeping with that pace, hes gonna miss 20 games this season.

But again, Cleveland, What about DEFENSE!?

[WhodunitParticipant]

 They could have kept all their young players and signed Love next offseason. If need be, they could have traded some of their young guys for cap space AFTER seeing what they looked like together for the first 30games of this season.

Bad bad move Cleveland. Also Kevin Love has only played in 76% of games his whole Nba career(364played/476possible). Meaning he’s injury prone. Keeping with that pace, hes gonna miss 20 games this season.

But again, Cleveland, What about DEFENSE!?

[phila9012Participant]

 They would have had to dump pretty much their whole team to sign Kevin Love. The projected salary cap for the 2015-16 season is 66.5 million dollars and they would have had roughly $65 million tied to Kevin Love, Kyrie, Lebron, and Wiggins. So they would have had 1.5 million plus the roughly 3 million under the cap mid level exception to sign 9 players including a drafted player if they added a player that way. There is no way they would do that and if they did that there is no way they would win anything if they did that.

[phila9012Participant]

 They would have had to dump pretty much their whole team to sign Kevin Love. The projected salary cap for the 2015-16 season is 66.5 million dollars and they would have had roughly $65 million tied to Kevin Love, Kyrie, Lebron, and Wiggins. So they would have had 1.5 million plus the roughly 3 million under the cap mid level exception to sign 9 players including a drafted player if they added a player that way. There is no way they would do that and if they did that there is no way they would win anything if they did that.

[NeggedAlterEgosAlterEgo]

cavs want to take east by storm with a huge rival out in the pacers they made a push.

if Andrew wiggins turns into a top 10 player this deal is horrible not because they traded him for a current top 10 because in my mind they could of had both no matter what ppl say.

but if its a done deal….

 

thing is the wolves are still capable of competing with the current infrastructure unless pek and Rubio are completely gone so I don’t see a top draft pick just because they lose love.

they have lavine,rubio and wiggins I think they will compete to win as they rebuild.

im not mad at cavs just wish they could have kept wiggins but they want to win now

[JCliff24Participant]

 We’ve got Kyrie for 6 years… Love for 6 years, Lebron isnt going anywhere. WE ARE RELEVANT AGAIN!!!!!!!! 

Praise baby jesus, 

JCliff24 ( A Cleveland Sports fan)

[JCliff24Participant]

 We’ve got Kyrie for 6 years… Love for 6 years, Lebron isnt going anywhere. WE ARE RELEVANT AGAIN!!!!!!!! 

Praise baby jesus, 

JCliff24 ( A Cleveland Sports fan)

[RUDEBOY_Participant]

lebron has to be the most influential player in league history..4 yrs ago he went to miami and made them the talk of the nba ..now he’s changed the balance of power once again……

and he must’ve talked to kevin love before hand about joining him in cleveland..becuz in his letter wiggins wasnt mentioned among the cavs players he was looking forward on play with.. … 

[RUDEBOY_Participant]

lebron has to be the most influential player in league history..4 yrs ago he went to miami and made them the talk of the nba ..now he’s changed the balance of power once again……

and he must’ve talked to kevin love before hand about joining him in cleveland..becuz in his letter wiggins wasnt mentioned among the cavs players he was looking forward on play with.. … 

[ReturnofthelemonParticipant]

Really interesting team they’ll have.  

PG- Rubio, Mo Williams, Shved, Barea

SG- LaVine, Martin, Shabazz, Corey Brewer

SF- Wiggins, Mbah a Moute, Budinger, Hummel, Rice

PF- Bennett

C- Dieng, Pekovic, Turiaf

 So how is their starting lineup going to look? I just placed the players by their listed position. Also, one thing about this team caught my attention: The amount of foreign-born players the Wolves will have. (Rubio, Shved, Barea, Wiggins, Mbah a Moute, Bennett, Dieng, Pekovic & Turiaf)

 

[ReturnofthelemonParticipant]

Really interesting team they’ll have.  

PG- Rubio, Mo Williams, Shved, Barea

SG- LaVine, Martin, Shabazz, Corey Brewer

SF- Wiggins, Mbah a Moute, Budinger, Hummel, Rice

PF- Bennett

C- Dieng, Pekovic, Turiaf

 So how is their starting lineup going to look? I just placed the players by their listed position. Also, one thing about this team caught my attention: The amount of foreign-born players the Wolves will have. (Rubio, Shved, Barea, Wiggins, Mbah a Moute, Bennett, Dieng, Pekovic & Turiaf)

 

[220Participant]

I know Gorgui Dieng finished last year strong, but I doubt he’ll begin the season starting over Nikolai Pekovic unless Pek’s hurt or Dieng made a massive leap in ability in the offseason.

[220Participant]

I know Gorgui Dieng finished last year strong, but I doubt he’ll begin the season starting over Nikolai Pekovic unless Pek’s hurt or Dieng made a massive leap in ability in the offseason.

[ReturnofthelemonParticipant]

I can see where you’re coming from. If Pekovic plays center though, who would you have at PF? I’m assuming Dieng will.

[ReturnofthelemonParticipant]

I can see where you’re coming from. If Pekovic plays center though, who would you have at PF? I’m assuming Dieng will.

[220Participant]

 The starting power forward could be Anthony Bennett like you mentioned in your earlier post. It could also be Dieng or Luc Mbah a Moute. It really depends on Flip Saunders, but Bennett, Dieng, and Mbah a Moute seem the most likely contenders for the starting power forward spot.

[220Participant]

 The starting power forward could be Anthony Bennett like you mentioned in your earlier post. It could also be Dieng or Luc Mbah a Moute. It really depends on Flip Saunders, but Bennett, Dieng, and Mbah a Moute seem the most likely contenders for the starting power forward spot.

[AlvinRobertsonsQuadrupleDoubleParticipant]

The Wolves start one of those at PF next season, there’s other moves Flip has up his sleeve, ie: Thaddeus Young

[AlvinRobertsonsQuadrupleDoubleParticipant]

The Wolves start one of those at PF next season, there’s other moves Flip has up his sleeve, ie: Thaddeus Young

[XYRYXParticipant]

Finally…

if the Cavs feel better now they made the right moves but there will always be the big if. 

Must be really sh!tty now to be Wiggins. Was called the best player of his generation for years and is shipped now to one of the least appealing franchises we had over the last years after beeing picked #1. Maybe it’s a good thing for him to be paired with the other young guns there but man I feel for him, he could have been in the best situation a #1 pick has been since Duncan.

btw what jersey number will he wear with the Wolves? I don’t see him getting #21 there for obvious reasons. 

Good news that this drama is finally done now anyway, what a media avelanche this has been.

[XYRYXParticipant]

Finally…

if the Cavs feel better now they made the right moves but there will always be the big if. 

Must be really sh!tty now to be Wiggins. Was called the best player of his generation for years and is shipped now to one of the least appealing franchises we had over the last years after beeing picked #1. Maybe it’s a good thing for him to be paired with the other young guns there but man I feel for him, he could have been in the best situation a #1 pick has been since Duncan.

btw what jersey number will he wear with the Wolves? I don’t see him getting #21 there for obvious reasons. 

Good news that this drama is finally done now anyway, what a media avelanche this has been.

[alex23Participant]

 I’m quite sure Wiggins would choose number 22, that was his number in college and in high school as well.

[alex23Participant]

 I’m quite sure Wiggins would choose number 22, that was his number in college and in high school as well.

[XYRYXParticipant]

Yep more than likely.

But hey, there are still 2 weeks left until the deal can be made official. Enough time for Bennett to destroy his shoulder again or for Wiggins to twist an ankle badly in training and this deal falls through if one of them doesn’t pass the physical. Risky move to name a deal done if he isn’t done yet…

Remember Tyson Chandler was once traded to the Thunder and the OKC didn’t want him when they found out he has a foot issue which wasn’t completely healed… I know this is just speculation but there crazier things have happened over the course of two weeks in the offseason.

[XYRYXParticipant]

Yep more than likely.

But hey, there are still 2 weeks left until the deal can be made official. Enough time for Bennett to destroy his shoulder again or for Wiggins to twist an ankle badly in training and this deal falls through if one of them doesn’t pass the physical. Risky move to name a deal done if he isn’t done yet…

Remember Tyson Chandler was once traded to the Thunder and the OKC didn’t want him when they found out he has a foot issue which wasn’t completely healed… I know this is just speculation but there crazier things have happened over the course of two weeks in the offseason.

[goddagParticipant]

Why is not getting number 21 with the Wolves obvious? I don’t connect why.

[goddagParticipant]

Why is not getting number 21 with the Wolves obvious? I don’t connect why.

[APfromMSPParticipant]

2 words
Kevin Garnett

[goddagParticipant]

So what if it’s Kevin Garnett’s old number. He’s long gone, and they sure aren’t going to retire it.

[goddagParticipant]

So what if it’s Kevin Garnett’s old number. He’s long gone, and they sure aren’t going to retire it.

[HaleParticipant]

Why wouldn’t they retire it? He’s easily the greatest player in their team’s history, was extremely loyal to the fanbase and won an MVP. I think he’s a prick now but he’s absolutely getting his number retired by the Wolves.

[joecheck88Participant]

I’m with you. It would be a joke of they don’t retire KGs #. He gave them what? 12-13 years of outstanding play. 

[joecheck88Participant]

I’m with you. It would be a joke of they don’t retire KGs #. He gave them what? 12-13 years of outstanding play. 

[HaleParticipant]

Why wouldn’t they retire it? He’s easily the greatest player in their team’s history, was extremely loyal to the fanbase and won an MVP. I think he’s a prick now but he’s absolutely getting his number retired by the Wolves.

[APfromMSPParticipant]

2 words
Kevin Garnett

[HitsterParticipant]

Fair deal if we look at it in the stone cold light of day – the T-Wolves get two Number 1 picks but Bennett hasn’t done much in the NBA yet and Wiggins has yet to play an NBA game so that might be why they still wanted another first rounder. Personally I wanted Wiggins to stay at Cleveland and maybe Thompson or Waiters go the other way but I guess Flip said "No Wiggins, No Deal".

The Cavs are obviously huge favourites out East now. The T-Wolves are the really interesting team as a combo of Wiggins and Rubio could be one of the most spectacular in the league and as much fun to watch next season as the Freak and Parker at the Bucks. Okay the T-Wolves have lost their franchise player but they still have Rubio, Pek and Martin, if Wiggins is anything like he is supposed to be they effectively get an indirect replacement for K-Love.

The guy who may really benefit might be Anthony Bennett who will probably get the PF gig at T-Wolves now, he’ll see good playing time and with Rubio to supply him will get good scoring chances. Also with the team having other good scoring options, he can be allowed to develop and will not have to carry the team in any way. 

[HitsterParticipant]

Fair deal if we look at it in the stone cold light of day – the T-Wolves get two Number 1 picks but Bennett hasn’t done much in the NBA yet and Wiggins has yet to play an NBA game so that might be why they still wanted another first rounder. Personally I wanted Wiggins to stay at Cleveland and maybe Thompson or Waiters go the other way but I guess Flip said "No Wiggins, No Deal".

The Cavs are obviously huge favourites out East now. The T-Wolves are the really interesting team as a combo of Wiggins and Rubio could be one of the most spectacular in the league and as much fun to watch next season as the Freak and Parker at the Bucks. Okay the T-Wolves have lost their franchise player but they still have Rubio, Pek and Martin, if Wiggins is anything like he is supposed to be they effectively get an indirect replacement for K-Love.

The guy who may really benefit might be Anthony Bennett who will probably get the PF gig at T-Wolves now, he’ll see good playing time and with Rubio to supply him will get good scoring chances. Also with the team having other good scoring options, he can be allowed to develop and will not have to carry the team in any way. 

[JCliff24Participant]

 According to Hoopshype.com Shabazz may possibly be included in the deal. 

[JCliff24Participant]

 According to Hoopshype.com Shabazz may possibly be included in the deal. 

[ReturnofthelemonParticipant]

Thanks for the update. Is LaVine a lock to start? Or would it be a lineup of Rubio, Wiggins, Bennett, Dieng, Pekovic?

[ReturnofthelemonParticipant]

Thanks for the update. Is LaVine a lock to start? Or would it be a lineup of Rubio, Wiggins, Bennett, Dieng, Pekovic?

[APfromMSPParticipant]

I assume that Martin would start over LaVine unless their is a trade involving Martin. Flip would be an idiot to start the season with LaVine as the starter when he has proven talent like Martin.
My guess for the line up:

Rubio
Martin
Wiggins
Dieng or Bennett
Pek

[APfromMSPParticipant]

I assume that Martin would start over LaVine unless their is a trade involving Martin. Flip would be an idiot to start the season with LaVine as the starter when he has proven talent like Martin.
My guess for the line up:

Rubio
Martin
Wiggins
Dieng or Bennett
Pek

[ReturnofthelemonParticipant]

Completely forgot about him in this mess, my bad.  

[ReturnofthelemonParticipant]

Completely forgot about him in this mess, my bad.  

[phila9012Participant]

Yeah to dump 2 expiring contracts, berea and Mbah a moute. I would rather them use him to try to dump someone like Budinger who has 2 years left on his contract I think.

[phila9012Participant]

Yeah to dump 2 expiring contracts, berea and Mbah a moute. I would rather them use him to try to dump someone like Budinger who has 2 years left on his contract I think.

[HaleParticipant]

I hope this doesn’t mess with Wiggins’ head and hurt his development.

[HaleParticipant]

I hope this doesn’t mess with Wiggins’ head and hurt his development.

[alex23Participant]

Its weird because I was thinking the same thing. But this could very well motivate him too, and make him work on his game more and become even better. It’d be great if hes playing the cavs one day and he posterizes kevin love and right after looks at LeBron(the real Cavs GM) and says "Shouldn’t have traded me". 

[alex23Participant]

Its weird because I was thinking the same thing. But this could very well motivate him too, and make him work on his game more and become even better. It’d be great if hes playing the cavs one day and he posterizes kevin love and right after looks at LeBron(the real Cavs GM) and says "Shouldn’t have traded me". 

[max23Participant]

Im a Wiggins fan and its crazy the expectations that he will face.First drafted first overall,now basically traded for top 10-15 player…yep i hope it doesnt screw with his head and that the wolves fans and media are patient with him and dont expect a savior this coming year.

[max23Participant]

Im a Wiggins fan and its crazy the expectations that he will face.First drafted first overall,now basically traded for top 10-15 player…yep i hope it doesnt screw with his head and that the wolves fans and media are patient with him and dont expect a savior this coming year.

[GlenTaylorSucksParticipant]

I’m relieved that it’s finally "over". This has been the worst-kept secret in the NBA, and has been draining as a Wolves fan (I can’t even imagine how it’d be for the players involved), and it STILL has 2 weeks until it can be made official. 

I’m a little disappointed that the Wolves couldn’t use this as an opportunity to dump salary, or get more than a protected Cleveland pick out of this (I was under the impression that they were gonna send one of their MIA picks or the Memphis pick). I honestly thought the Wolves would get a little bit more out of this, but I can’t complain too much. Pessimism is basically reality for Wolves fans, haha. 

I like that we actually get Wiggins- even if he doesn’t live up to his absurd hype, he can still be a valuable piece for a team. I’m assuming Bennett and some of the Wolves’ expirings are going out to Philly for Thad Young, which makes it a little easier for me to stomach. I’m also hoping the whole "lose your superstar, get the #1 pick wink wink nudge nuge" unwritten/unspoken of draft rule still applies here, hahaha.

Cleveland, you are truly lucky. Not only does LeBron go back even after your management completely failed to build a team around him, but now you land an undisputed top 10 (I would argue top 5) player in the NBA who is only just entering his prime, and will have him for 6 years. You will definitely appreciate Love’s sexy outlet passes to a leaking LeBron/Irving in transition, his floor-stretching abilities (giving Irving and Bron more room to operate in the lane), and his tenacity on the boards/ability to draw fouls on putbacks. He’s also not nearly as bad a defender as everyone seems to think he is. Enjoy your team while it is the way it is, Cleveland! 

Here’s to hoping the Wolves land one of Okafor/Mudiay/Towns next year! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[GlenTaylorSucksParticipant]

I’m relieved that it’s finally "over". This has been the worst-kept secret in the NBA, and has been draining as a Wolves fan (I can’t even imagine how it’d be for the players involved), and it STILL has 2 weeks until it can be made official. 

I’m a little disappointed that the Wolves couldn’t use this as an opportunity to dump salary, or get more than a protected Cleveland pick out of this (I was under the impression that they were gonna send one of their MIA picks or the Memphis pick). I honestly thought the Wolves would get a little bit more out of this, but I can’t complain too much. Pessimism is basically reality for Wolves fans, haha. 

I like that we actually get Wiggins- even if he doesn’t live up to his absurd hype, he can still be a valuable piece for a team. I’m assuming Bennett and some of the Wolves’ expirings are going out to Philly for Thad Young, which makes it a little easier for me to stomach. I’m also hoping the whole "lose your superstar, get the #1 pick wink wink nudge nuge" unwritten/unspoken of draft rule still applies here, hahaha.

Cleveland, you are truly lucky. Not only does LeBron go back even after your management completely failed to build a team around him, but now you land an undisputed top 10 (I would argue top 5) player in the NBA who is only just entering his prime, and will have him for 6 years. You will definitely appreciate Love’s sexy outlet passes to a leaking LeBron/Irving in transition, his floor-stretching abilities (giving Irving and Bron more room to operate in the lane), and his tenacity on the boards/ability to draw fouls on putbacks. He’s also not nearly as bad a defender as everyone seems to think he is. Enjoy your team while it is the way it is, Cleveland! 

Here’s to hoping the Wolves land one of Okafor/Mudiay/Towns next year! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[ahuang16Participant]

Really like what they got out of this deal.  Got Wiggins to grow into his role as a star.  Can develop two players into their posts in the future with Bennett joining Dieng.  Still have Pekovic and Martin as overpaid veterans but they can be moved down the road.  Combined with a future Rubio and LaVine backcourt, this team has an identity it can build off of.

[ahuang16Participant]

Really like what they got out of this deal.  Got Wiggins to grow into his role as a star.  Can develop two players into their posts in the future with Bennett joining Dieng.  Still have Pekovic and Martin as overpaid veterans but they can be moved down the road.  Combined with a future Rubio and LaVine backcourt, this team has an identity it can build off of.

[GrandmamaParticipant]

 Yeah, Cleveland will be better this year, and next.  But they could have won a title with the current roster.  Or they could have probably traded less to acquire Millsap.   Lebron makes everyone around him better, plus he’s the best player on the planet.  I have a feeling in Wiggins 3rd year, Cleveland fans will be wondering why the hell they ever included Wiggins in the deal.  But I guess if they win the title the next two years, it won’t really matter.  Big if though, nothing will be handed to them.

[GrandmamaParticipant]

 Yeah, Cleveland will be better this year, and next.  But they could have won a title with the current roster.  Or they could have probably traded less to acquire Millsap.   Lebron makes everyone around him better, plus he’s the best player on the planet.  I have a feeling in Wiggins 3rd year, Cleveland fans will be wondering why the hell they ever included Wiggins in the deal.  But I guess if they win the title the next two years, it won’t really matter.  Big if though, nothing will be handed to them.

[tuck243Participant]

Playing with LeBron changed Bosh’s game dramatically…  Love already play that way…  Also, prior to playing with LeBron, Bosh wasn’t the defender he is now…  

 

 This team is built to win next year in fact…   They’re #1 right now to me…   They don’t have any offense holes right now, the only issue they have is team defense….  With LeBron as a leader I’m sure that wouldn’t be an issue, like I said, Bosh wasn’t a defensive guy before…  

[chrispaulwallParticipant]

#1 favorite with a coach whose never coached in the nba, 2nd and 3rd options who have never played in important games and a league which features that same dominant spurs team as last year? yeah, okay. 

[chrispaulwallParticipant]

#1 favorite with a coach whose never coached in the nba, 2nd and 3rd options who have never played in important games and a league which features that same dominant spurs team as last year? yeah, okay. 

[tuck243Participant]

Playing with LeBron changed Bosh’s game dramatically…  Love already play that way…  Also, prior to playing with LeBron, Bosh wasn’t the defender he is now…  

 

 This team is built to win next year in fact…   They’re #1 right now to me…   They don’t have any offense holes right now, the only issue they have is team defense….  With LeBron as a leader I’m sure that wouldn’t be an issue, like I said, Bosh wasn’t a defensive guy before…  

[jaycee24Participant]

 Thaddeus young will start for the t wolves next season 

[jaycee24Participant]

 Thaddeus young will start for the t wolves next season 

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

 Who guards Pau?

Does LeBron guard Butler, Doug, and Rose?

can Mike miller and Love play on the same (no defense) front line together?

Do the Cavs now match up better agains the Spurs and Thunder? I am not so sure.

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

 Who guards Pau?

Does LeBron guard Butler, Doug, and Rose?

can Mike miller and Love play on the same (no defense) front line together?

Do the Cavs now match up better agains the Spurs and Thunder? I am not so sure.

[chrispaulwallParticipant]

 Offensively sure, they’re gonna dominate. or at least you would think. neither of these guys (kyrie/love) has ever had to play with a ball dominant player like Lebron so I doubt they’ll learn to play off the ball at a high level right away. defensively they’re obviously going to struggle. I still think top to bottom that bulls team and any other playoff team out west will wear them out

[chrispaulwallParticipant]

 Offensively sure, they’re gonna dominate. or at least you would think. neither of these guys (kyrie/love) has ever had to play with a ball dominant player like Lebron so I doubt they’ll learn to play off the ball at a high level right away. defensively they’re obviously going to struggle. I still think top to bottom that bulls team and any other playoff team out west will wear them out

[TallmanNYCParticipant]

Please, lets not call it two number one picks. Wiggins, yes, he is a number one pick. And one with great potential. Bennett was never considered by basically anyone a number one pick in last year’s draft. Cleaveland went kind of crazy. Bennett played terrible, vastly underperforming his expected 5 to 10 draft pick position. So the fact that he was drafted number one is NOT a good thing. It means he costs millions of guaranteed money over what he would have cost if he had gone, for example, sixth.

But the guy has got potential. First round draft pick potential? Sure I will go for that. But if you are throwing around that just because Cleveland is really dumb at drafting and picked him number 1 that somehow that means Bennett will always have franchise player potential, well, then I’d like to offer you this slightly used Bargnani. You too can have a number one draft pick!  Seriously, I’m not sure if two more seasons totaling $10 million guarateed money to Bennett is a good thing for the Wolves or not. 

[TallmanNYCParticipant]

Please, lets not call it two number one picks. Wiggins, yes, he is a number one pick. And one with great potential. Bennett was never considered by basically anyone a number one pick in last year’s draft. Cleaveland went kind of crazy. Bennett played terrible, vastly underperforming his expected 5 to 10 draft pick position. So the fact that he was drafted number one is NOT a good thing. It means he costs millions of guaranteed money over what he would have cost if he had gone, for example, sixth.

But the guy has got potential. First round draft pick potential? Sure I will go for that. But if you are throwing around that just because Cleveland is really dumb at drafting and picked him number 1 that somehow that means Bennett will always have franchise player potential, well, then I’d like to offer you this slightly used Bargnani. You too can have a number one draft pick!  Seriously, I’m not sure if two more seasons totaling $10 million guarateed money to Bennett is a good thing for the Wolves or not. 

[TallmanNYCParticipant]

Ha, fooled you, not talking about Kevin. I love the idea of Rubio tossing passes to Wiggins. It will be great for both of them and for NBA fans everywhere. We are going to see some serious dunks from those two.  

[TallmanNYCParticipant]

Ha, fooled you, not talking about Kevin. I love the idea of Rubio tossing passes to Wiggins. It will be great for both of them and for NBA fans everywhere. We are going to see some serious dunks from those two.  

[SnowtaParticipant]

As a Wolves fan I’m shocked Flip actually is going to pull this off. This is a dream scenario as far as I’m concerned. If you would’ve told me at the beginning of this Love saga that we had a chance to get Wiggins I wouldn’t have believed it. I can’t wait to watch this young core of players next year and see how they all grow and develop together. I know they’re young and have a long way to go and honestly some of these young guys might not end up reaching their potential, but in a market like MN you have to take a chance with a deal like this. The future for the Wolves is brighter than ever and I can take another sub .500 season or two knowing the potential this team has. Plus, regardless of their record this team is going to be awesome to watch. 

As far as Cleveland goes, this team is going to be great. Having watched Love for 6 years, I’ve been critical of Love for his play on d, but people are overexaggerating how bad his defense will be. I look at him and Kyrie similarly on the defensive end of the floor. Are either good defenders? No, but they also have never played on teams that have competed for playoff spots and I think both of their biggest weakness on that end is effort. Playing with Lebron in a good defensive scheme they will get be good enough on d too still be a very, very good team. This team is going to be insanely good on offense.

Overall, I think this is a really good trade for both teams and I can’t wait to see how it all plays out. 

[SnowtaParticipant]

As a Wolves fan I’m shocked Flip actually is going to pull this off. This is a dream scenario as far as I’m concerned. If you would’ve told me at the beginning of this Love saga that we had a chance to get Wiggins I wouldn’t have believed it. I can’t wait to watch this young core of players next year and see how they all grow and develop together. I know they’re young and have a long way to go and honestly some of these young guys might not end up reaching their potential, but in a market like MN you have to take a chance with a deal like this. The future for the Wolves is brighter than ever and I can take another sub .500 season or two knowing the potential this team has. Plus, regardless of their record this team is going to be awesome to watch. 

As far as Cleveland goes, this team is going to be great. Having watched Love for 6 years, I’ve been critical of Love for his play on d, but people are overexaggerating how bad his defense will be. I look at him and Kyrie similarly on the defensive end of the floor. Are either good defenders? No, but they also have never played on teams that have competed for playoff spots and I think both of their biggest weakness on that end is effort. Playing with Lebron in a good defensive scheme they will get be good enough on d too still be a very, very good team. This team is going to be insanely good on offense.

Overall, I think this is a really good trade for both teams and I can’t wait to see how it all plays out. 

[Magic JordanParticipant]

 As a big hater of the whole "big 3" model this just bores me.  Call me old school but I miss the days where the best players wanted to play against each other.  I used to be a Lebron fan then went against him when he teamed up in Miami.  I was excited for him to go back to the Cavs where he would be the elder.  Teaching a young exciting team to win on the fly with no assurances they ever would.  There was something admirable to me about him taking on that challenge.  The fact that he was willing to accept it made me excited for basketball in general. The best player in the world…. Taking no easy way out.  Finally we would see him have to truely carry a team…. And then this comes along to shit in my face.  I know its not Lebron fault.  But call me selfish for wanting to see the best player of our generation take on a true challenge.  Instead he is just going to be part of another super team.  It bores me.  Takes the easier of the two roads.  Again… He isn’t making this move, but let’s call a spade a spade here…. He is more influence on the matter then Dan Gilbert.  Neg me all you want which I am sure they will rain down, but I’m bummed.  I’m usually not one to talk about legacies but had Lebron won a ring with the young team… That would have been impressive…. That would have cemented him in the Mt Rushmore for more than his ridiculous statistics.  It would have put him in there for once taking a challenge head on… Instead of stacking the deck.  Would we consider MJ the GOAT if he teamed up with Payton and Barkley…. Before teaming up with Stockton and Malone?  I don’t think so.  Lebron is probably the greatest on court basketball talent I have ever seen.  The only problem is he never has to act like it or prove it.  He’s proven he can be the best player on his team, but he can’t truly lead one.  Sure, point to the two rings he has… Anyone who watched knows he may have never been the most important in either of those….this doesn’t mean he’s not great or not a top 5 player of all time… But it also doesn’t cement the fact.  So blast me all you want for wanting to see the best competition possible…. I’m still holding out Hope that Durant will take an old school approach.

Another thing is good lord… I hate to see such a poorly run franchise… With such a incompetent arrogant owner who is the only person in the world who still uses comic sans get rewarded with two number one picks…. Back to back…. Lebron James and Kevin Love.  The world is truely ending.

 

[Magic JordanParticipant]

 As a big hater of the whole "big 3" model this just bores me.  Call me old school but I miss the days where the best players wanted to play against each other.  I used to be a Lebron fan then went against him when he teamed up in Miami.  I was excited for him to go back to the Cavs where he would be the elder.  Teaching a young exciting team to win on the fly with no assurances they ever would.  There was something admirable to me about him taking on that challenge.  The fact that he was willing to accept it made me excited for basketball in general. The best player in the world…. Taking no easy way out.  Finally we would see him have to truely carry a team…. And then this comes along to shit in my face.  I know its not Lebron fault.  But call me selfish for wanting to see the best player of our generation take on a true challenge.  Instead he is just going to be part of another super team.  It bores me.  Takes the easier of the two roads.  Again… He isn’t making this move, but let’s call a spade a spade here…. He is more influence on the matter then Dan Gilbert.  Neg me all you want which I am sure they will rain down, but I’m bummed.  I’m usually not one to talk about legacies but had Lebron won a ring with the young team… That would have been impressive…. That would have cemented him in the Mt Rushmore for more than his ridiculous statistics.  It would have put him in there for once taking a challenge head on… Instead of stacking the deck.  Would we consider MJ the GOAT if he teamed up with Payton and Barkley…. Before teaming up with Stockton and Malone?  I don’t think so.  Lebron is probably the greatest on court basketball talent I have ever seen.  The only problem is he never has to act like it or prove it.  He’s proven he can be the best player on his team, but he can’t truly lead one.  Sure, point to the two rings he has… Anyone who watched knows he may have never been the most important in either of those….this doesn’t mean he’s not great or not a top 5 player of all time… But it also doesn’t cement the fact.  So blast me all you want for wanting to see the best competition possible…. I’m still holding out Hope that Durant will take an old school approach.

Another thing is good lord… I hate to see such a poorly run franchise… With such a incompetent arrogant owner who is the only person in the world who still uses comic sans get rewarded with two number one picks…. Back to back…. Lebron James and Kevin Love.  The world is truely ending.

 

[chrispaulwallParticipant]

yeah I know it’s an unpopular opinion but god it feels like the cavs are getting off so easy just because Lebron wants to be liked unanimously. they were completely incompetent before he left and after he left and now they have a ridiculous amount of talent. like simmons said, anyone but Cleveland deserved that top pick let alone two of the top ten players in the league. sigh. 

[chrispaulwallParticipant]

yeah I know it’s an unpopular opinion but god it feels like the cavs are getting off so easy just because Lebron wants to be liked unanimously. they were completely incompetent before he left and after he left and now they have a ridiculous amount of talent. like simmons said, anyone but Cleveland deserved that top pick let alone two of the top ten players in the league. sigh. 

[Magic JordanParticipant]

 Yeah, I don’t really think it has to do with him being liked.  And it’s kind of a double edge sword, because I love a team game of basketball.  I love sacrafice… and there are few greater sacrafices then multiple players in their prime coming together and sacraficing to play with eachother.  But above all else I love good, competitive basketball… I want to see the greatest players in the world, trading baskets and wanting to rip eachothers faces off.  

[Magic JordanParticipant]

 Yeah, I don’t really think it has to do with him being liked.  And it’s kind of a double edge sword, because I love a team game of basketball.  I love sacrafice… and there are few greater sacrafices then multiple players in their prime coming together and sacraficing to play with eachother.  But above all else I love good, competitive basketball… I want to see the greatest players in the world, trading baskets and wanting to rip eachothers faces off.  

[TallmanNYCParticipant]

Let’s not get carried away. I don’t recall the Celtics or the Lakers in the 80s suggesting that their teams get broken up so that Bird could play Mchale or Magic could play Worthy.

And MJ never won a title without Pippen (a first ballet HOF) and for the last three titles he also had Rodman (another HOF). You need to have two or three HOFs on your team to have a good chance a title.

You say, "Finally we would see him truely carry a team."  Uhmm, what do you think he was doing during years 3 through 7 of his career in Cleveland? We’ve seen Lebron and no one. Lebron is actually slightly past his prime at this point and if doesn’t have good teammates, his team might not make the playoffs. Now I think Wiggins will be great. But I know Love is great. So I agree with you this is the easier and more sure path for Cleveland. 

I also dislike this franchise getting rewarded AGAIN. They are incompentent. But they are lucky enough to get mutliple number one picks (four in the last 12 years or so if we go back to Lebron), plus lucky that the best player in the game is from their State and he still likes it.

As the saying goes, it is better to be lucky than good. 

[TallmanNYCParticipant]

Let’s not get carried away. I don’t recall the Celtics or the Lakers in the 80s suggesting that their teams get broken up so that Bird could play Mchale or Magic could play Worthy.

And MJ never won a title without Pippen (a first ballet HOF) and for the last three titles he also had Rodman (another HOF). You need to have two or three HOFs on your team to have a good chance a title.

You say, "Finally we would see him truely carry a team."  Uhmm, what do you think he was doing during years 3 through 7 of his career in Cleveland? We’ve seen Lebron and no one. Lebron is actually slightly past his prime at this point and if doesn’t have good teammates, his team might not make the playoffs. Now I think Wiggins will be great. But I know Love is great. So I agree with you this is the easier and more sure path for Cleveland. 

I also dislike this franchise getting rewarded AGAIN. They are incompentent. But they are lucky enough to get mutliple number one picks (four in the last 12 years or so if we go back to Lebron), plus lucky that the best player in the game is from their State and he still likes it.

As the saying goes, it is better to be lucky than good. 

[Jco4Participant]

 Good trade for both teams really. Minnesota has some serious young talent on their roster! Hopefully they get opportunities (which they didn’t under Adelman) and fall in love with Minny. I’d hate to see all these young guys bolt as soon as their contracts expire. 

[Jco4Participant]

 Good trade for both teams really. Minnesota has some serious young talent on their roster! Hopefully they get opportunities (which they didn’t under Adelman) and fall in love with Minny. I’d hate to see all these young guys bolt as soon as their contracts expire. 

[Jco4Participant]

 Good trade for both teams really. Minnesota has some serious young talent on their roster! Hopefully they get opportunities (which they didn’t under Adelman) and fall in love with Minny. I’d hate to see all these young guys bolt as soon as their contracts expire. 

[Jco4Participant]

 Good trade for both teams really. Minnesota has some serious young talent on their roster! Hopefully they get opportunities (which they didn’t under Adelman) and fall in love with Minny. I’d hate to see all these young guys bolt as soon as their contracts expire. 

[GrandmamaParticipant]

If I were Cleveland, I wouldn’t have made the deal just yet.  I think they should have seen what kind of team they had with Wiggins.  And if they didn’t like the direction they were headed, then make the trade in December.  Are they a better team with Love?  Definitely.  Love fits well with James.  I’m just not a believer in trading someone with Wiggins’ upside before you see what you have.  Maybe Cleveland is amazing with Wiggins, we’ll never know.  And I definitely think they were contenders without making the deal.

 

I do believe the trade is fair.  Cleveland is acquiring a top 10-12 player (Love isn’t a top 5 player, and if you believe he is please explain).  Like I said above, Love fits well with James, and Kyrie as well.  He’s a tremendous shooter at the PF position, and will help spread the floor for Irving and James.  As we’ve seen the last few years, floor spacing is paramount to success in today’s league.  James was surrounded by shooters in Miami, and San Antonio surrounded their players with shooters.  The deal definitely puts them in the driver’s seat for a championship, although Chicago and San Antonio are going to be monsters as well.

 

As for Minnesota.  Job well done.  To be able to acquire someone like Wiggins for a guy who isn’t resigning is an amazing return.  And on top of that they get the previous years #1 pick, who although had a bad year last year still has some nice upside as well.  And an additional 1st round pick.  Job well done.  Wiggins has superstar potential, and has as much upside as anyone who has been drafted over the last few years.  If I were a Minnesota fan I’d be ecstatic with the deal.

 

Lastly, I’m glad the deal is done so we can stop having 10 posts a day about the same issue.

[GrandmamaParticipant]

If I were Cleveland, I wouldn’t have made the deal just yet.  I think they should have seen what kind of team they had with Wiggins.  And if they didn’t like the direction they were headed, then make the trade in December.  Are they a better team with Love?  Definitely.  Love fits well with James.  I’m just not a believer in trading someone with Wiggins’ upside before you see what you have.  Maybe Cleveland is amazing with Wiggins, we’ll never know.  And I definitely think they were contenders without making the deal.

 

I do believe the trade is fair.  Cleveland is acquiring a top 10-12 player (Love isn’t a top 5 player, and if you believe he is please explain).  Like I said above, Love fits well with James, and Kyrie as well.  He’s a tremendous shooter at the PF position, and will help spread the floor for Irving and James.  As we’ve seen the last few years, floor spacing is paramount to success in today’s league.  James was surrounded by shooters in Miami, and San Antonio surrounded their players with shooters.  The deal definitely puts them in the driver’s seat for a championship, although Chicago and San Antonio are going to be monsters as well.

 

As for Minnesota.  Job well done.  To be able to acquire someone like Wiggins for a guy who isn’t resigning is an amazing return.  And on top of that they get the previous years #1 pick, who although had a bad year last year still has some nice upside as well.  And an additional 1st round pick.  Job well done.  Wiggins has superstar potential, and has as much upside as anyone who has been drafted over the last few years.  If I were a Minnesota fan I’d be ecstatic with the deal.

 

Lastly, I’m glad the deal is done so we can stop having 10 posts a day about the same issue.

[TallmanNYCParticipant]

Well one arguement for top five is that Love was third (after KD and Lebron) in PER and Win Share, two statistical overall catagories.

He scored a ton of points, with a high level of efficiency as the number one scoring option (by way of comparison, Kobe has never had a season where he scored as efficiently as Love did last season), while being a very good rebounder (off year for Love in that department as he has been an elite rebounder in all his prior seasons, he slipped a bit to just being very good). Also he is a very good passer.

No I agree that he isn’t a top five player. But it isn’t a crazy position to take. He is certainly going to be better next year than either Wade or Bosh. So Lebron has done well for himself in the teammate catagory. 

Awesome for Minn though. Wiggins is super exciting for the franchise and will look fantastic running the floor next to Rubio. 

 

[TallmanNYCParticipant]

Well one arguement for top five is that Love was third (after KD and Lebron) in PER and Win Share, two statistical overall catagories.

He scored a ton of points, with a high level of efficiency as the number one scoring option (by way of comparison, Kobe has never had a season where he scored as efficiently as Love did last season), while being a very good rebounder (off year for Love in that department as he has been an elite rebounder in all his prior seasons, he slipped a bit to just being very good). Also he is a very good passer.

No I agree that he isn’t a top five player. But it isn’t a crazy position to take. He is certainly going to be better next year than either Wade or Bosh. So Lebron has done well for himself in the teammate catagory. 

Awesome for Minn though. Wiggins is super exciting for the franchise and will look fantastic running the floor next to Rubio. 

 

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