BSKball.com is reporting that Payton is going to the Timberwolves: 06/29-late-PAYTON A WOLF?- A local Minnesota radio station (KFAN |1130AM) is reporting that the Timberwolves may have agreed in principal to a deal sending out Terrell Brandon, Wally Szczerbiak, and Rasho Nesterovic in exchange for Gary Payton and a cap filler from the Sonics. (thanks Macas for the heads up)- Neither team was willing to comment on a pending deal. Sources near both teams could not be reached for comment on this unconfirmed rumor. MORE AS IT DEVLOPS ------------------
That would be a great trade for the Wolves... Payton and Garnett + scrubs v Kobe and Shaq and scrubs... The Wolves would be a contender possibly. Look at Paytons record v The Lakers for the past few seasons... I can't see Seattle doing that deal however... ------------------
If I recall that is about what the T-Wolves got for sending a 20 year old Marbury to the Nets, so that value sounds at least in the ball park for the best 30+ year old PG in the league. I don't know how many years Payton will still be an elite PG, or how him and KG get along, but it is worth a shot by the Wolves. Given the Wolves draft situation and Payton's age, it is a risk though because KG will have noone if Payton declines. Seattle starts the rebuilding process with a very good player, a good PG I think younger than their outstanding older one, and a young player who could have a good career as a fine back up C. [This message has been edited by Desert Scar (edited June 29, 2001).]
Bskball.com has never predicted a correct rumor in recent memory. ------------------ I stole your money and I did your daughter at Texas A&M University
I read from another site that Garnett and Payton were good friends, but this is from a poster, not from either's own mouth. ------------------
Sounds like the Wolves may be going for it all now. Can't remember length of Garnett's contract but this move signals an urgency as Payton is on downside of his career. For Sonics, this was a good start at reengineering their team with a an good young SF and and excellent guard (I believe he can play the 1 or 2 spot) who is a class individual and team player. Brandon just killed us all last year. I think they want to set a different tone and this is a way to jump start that effort. More moves from both clubs wouldn't surprise me.
Damn, any team playing against the T'Wolves have to get ready for an earful of trash talking!!! ------------------ "I look kind of dumpy. Look at my butt. And what kind of shoes do they have me wearing? At least they got the chinstrap beard right." -Kevin Garnett on the KG bobblehead dolls during KG bobblehead doll night at the Target Center
The trade would make Minnesota scary on defense but giving up Wally and Nesterovic is a little much. Nesterovic isnt very good but he logged important minutes, Wally is almost all of the T-Wolves perimiter shooting. Its still not enough to compete with the Lakers or even get them a top 4 seed and in the long run it hurts them. They might win their first playoff series with him though. If they sign a shooter, even a Maxwell or Mack then Id be scared. ------------------ Ziggy
Payton and Garnett alone make a pretty good combo. Payton is still in his prime. ------------------ humble, but hungry.
The Wolves must feel confident about Woods if they do this trade. Nesterovic was their starting center last season and the backup is Dean Garrett, who played awful in the playoffs. If Nesterovic is traded, Woods may earn himself a starting spot right away.
Not gonna happen ------------------ "For there is nothing either good or bad, thinking makes it so." - William Shakespeare (1564-1616), Hamlet
I do not see this trade going down either because: - Brandon isn't that much younger than Payton (so much for rebuilding) - The Sonics are already crowded at the 3 and landing Szczerbiak makes no sense. ------------------
If Lewis is going in the trade with Payton then it's pretty good, but if not Minnesota maybe giving up too much. Then you don't have any primeter scoring besides Peeler and Payton is not a pure shooter, but more of a pure scoring point that will pass to KG. Who knows...i still don't think you have enough to beat the Lakers or even the Spurs or Kings if they get stuff together. ------------------ Take the blue pill, and wake up from the computer dream world. I'm a fan of basketball, and knowing the truth for some means finally facing it...I'm the truth.
It is already a bad trade for Seattle without including their best young player. BTW, the KFAN rumor is nothing more than a trade offer that was declined at the February trade deadline by Seattle. People close to the Sonics believe that the Chicago deal is not dead yet. ------------------
