[ESPN] Wolves, Grizzlies near trade

[ArtisGilmore]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/draft2010/news/story?id=5315275

The Memphis Grizzlies and Minnesota Timberwolves are close to swapping first-round draft picks, a source with direct knowledge of the situation tells ESPN.com's Andy Katz. The Grizzlies would send their 25th and 28th overall picks to Minnesota for the Timberwolves' 16th pick.

While the Wolves appeared close to moving their lower picks, they appeared to be content staying at No. 4 with their first pick in Thursday's draft. Team president David Kahn said Tuesday it is "highly unlikely" the team will deal the first of its three selections, either to move up in the draft or move down. He says that whoever is there at No. 4 on Thursday night will be a great player for the Timberwolves. Syracuse forward Wesley Johnson, Georgia Tech forward Derrick Favors and Kentucky center DeMarcus Cousins are the three most likely candidates for the Wolves to consider at No. 4. The team also has the 23rd pick in the first round.

Bolded part is relevant to the recent rumors that the Rockets are making a push for the #4 pick.

[JuanValdez]

So, Minn is going to pick at #4, #23, #25, and #28? That's a lot of guaranteed rookie contracts.

[TmacsRockets]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/draft2010/news/story?id=5315275



Bolded part is relevant to the recent rumors that the Rockets are making a push for the #4 pick.

Al Jefferson should be traded.

[Carl Herrera]

Strange, do they really want to add 4 rookies?

[glimmertwins]

....also strange that according to Chad Ford they were rumored to be offering the #4 pick to the Blazers for Nicolais Batum.....and the Blazers turned them down! Can't we offer Ariza to them for the #4? Same type of player.

The Twolves better have something in the works - they are on the hook for four guaranteed contracts right now and that's not including the contract they will have to give Rubio when he comes back. I bet they are going to send at least a couple of those picks out to get someone to help them clear out the redundancies on that roster at PF and PG. Maybe they keep the #4, but there has to be a trade in the works otherwise.....of course I said the same thing last year and they still ended up getting poor value by drafting two expected starter quality PGs so maybe Minni is really THAT oblivious.

[BasketballReasons]

Strange, do they really want to add 4 rookies?

Especially Kahn said on the lotto night: "We have a lot of young guys, we'd rather just for them to grow and add veterans".

So I highly doubt they keep 4 guaranteed rookie contracts.

[BimaThug]

So, Minn is going to pick at #4, #23, #25, and #28? That's a lot of guaranteed rookie contracts.
Don't forget that Minnesota is also picking at #45 and #56 (although those aren't guaranteed contracts).

I have a feeling that David Kahn will go one of two ways with this:

(1) He'll take at least one or two foreign guys late in the first round to stash overseas. Think Kevin Seraphin (if he lasts to #23 or #25) or Tibor Pleiss (at #25 or #28); or

(2) He'll hold a first round pick sale for the rest of the league. "Step right up! Get yourself a nice first round pick!! It'll only cost ya 3 million bucks!!!" Basically, a glorified cash grab.

Probably a combination of the two.

[ROCKETS-WARRIOR]

David Khan went nuts last year during the Draft. Picking 3 point guards in the first round. Didn't he passed up on Stephen curry, Tyreke Evans, and Jennings last year? He should trade their picks and get some veteran leadership on this Minnesota team.

[JayGoogle]

Lemme tell you something about Kahn...He's the anti-Morey.

[ArtV]

Don't forget that Minnesota is also picking at #45 and #56 (although those aren't guaranteed contracts).

I have a feeling that David Kahn will go one of two ways with this:

(1) He'll take at least one or two foreign guys late in the first round to stash overseas. Think Kevin Seraphin (if he lasts to #23 or #25) or Tibor Pleiss (at #25 or #28); or

(2) He'll hold a first round pick sale for the rest of the league. "Step right up! Get yourself a nice first round pick!! It'll only cost ya 3 million bucks!!!" Basically, a glorified cash grab.

Probably a combination of the two.

As a fan, the Euro thing I can understand but if that gm/owner traded the 16th pick for $6 million, I wouldn't be too happy.

[roslolian]

As a fan, the Euro thing I can understand but if that gm/owner traded the 16th pick for $6 million, I wouldn't be too happy.

Actually if you're the owner you'd probably be really happy to receive 6M. The wolves aren't winning anything soon so you'd rather save some $$$.