This is why this trade is a big L. I don't think it makes the team better but the issue is they did this trade to save money. That's gonna get to Ant and the moment they start losing he's going to wonder if he can win in a place that's trading talent basically for money. I'd start the countdown, unless Ant just wants money over everything, I doubt he's there when contract time comes due.
Problem was that they mortgaged their future for Rudy Gobert. For as much as we **** on the move, the Wolves ultimately made it to the WCF and had a great record. Ant is the engine that makes this team run. With the year Nazr had, I don't see why he couldn't be promoted to starter and Julius can come off the bench. Not necessarily an even trade, but at the same time they got a decent return and now they can move Nazr to the starting line up and not lose much.
Spurs are the biggest winners here, Ant will still be a good player in 2030 but he likely won't be a Timberwolf.
I agree, he won't be a Timberwolf and might very well end up a Spur. Wemby/Ant pairing would be filthy and for sure a major obstacle for the Rockets.
kat is a perennial underachiever who’s going to get roasted in nyc and randle’s such a dumbass chucker maybe we jump minnie in the standings -)
They got to WCF. Not sure why they couldn't try to run it back. At least KAT played, and he actually wanted to be in Minnesota Spacing is the most important thing in todays NBA and towns provide that.
Yeah bro. Kat was Ant's Pippen, his sidekick, his soul mate. They were always together on and off the court, Ant would call him to buy cookies LMAO. They also fit well on the court, yeah KaT was kinda soft but he made up for it by scoring and spacing to the tune of 62.5% TS. Now you replaced him with an egomaniac and historic ball hog like Julius Randle. Both him and Gobert are useless in the playoffs, Gobert can't score outside 1 feet and Randle shot an atrocious 48% TS in the playoffs...in the EAST. Wolves are also capped out and on track to be in the 2nd apron so doubtful they will add more help. Ant's def gonna request a trade in a couple of years IMO.
The Twolves got to the conference finals last year, one of their best teams in the history of the franchise. Are you telling me swapping KAT for Randle gets them to the finals? I don't see how the Twolves get any better from this. The only thing I see is them saving s few bucks. I also think Randle is maybe the worst fit for their team. He's more of a high post player on offense so the paint will be even more clogged with Rudy. Then, he's a relatively small big so he won't contribute to that swarming defense that gave the Nuggets fits in the playoffs. Wings will score right over the top of him where KAT could deter with his arms up.
I knew they were going to something with Julius. So this is it. I like it for both teams. KAT back at the 5. JR fits with Minny. And Donte is no slouch.
Disagree with Bima there. I think it makes both teams a bit worse. I do think KAT, even with his flaws, is a better player than Randle. Timberwolves did have a great season, they should've given it another run to further improve and tweak where they can get better. I think Randle is a bit overrated (could be wrong) and not very efficient and a bit undersized too. For Knicks, KAT is better but losing DiVincenzo will be impactful. Unless someone can rise up and surprise off the bench, I don't think it helps Knicks get better. This will be mitigated by Bridges acquisition, which I'm still shocked they were able to pull off.
KAT is very talented and is paid very well for it. NYK have a good team and Brunson taking less may make KAT work. I think Minn wasn't going to win as is and were pretty locked into their team before this move. Long term, I think this move gives them a chance to make a move that makes them better. This trade is making the Dillingham trade look even worse.