From Andy Katz/ESPN:
Memphis has refused multiple trades offers from Minnesota because the Timberwolves aren’t prepared to part with both the No. 5 and 6 picks or toss in Kevin Love in another scenario with just the No. 6 pick, a source with knowledge of the Grizzlies’ situation told ESPN.com.
The Grizzlies are, according to the source, prepared to make Connecticut’s Hasheem Thabeet the No. 2 pick in the draft if they cannot get a deal for the selection.
Memphis discussed sending the No. 2 to Minnesota for the No. 5 and No. 6, but the Timberwolves have been consistent that they don’t want to give away two top 10 picks. The TWolves also rejected the offer for No. 6 and Love. The Timberwolves offered either No. 5 or 6 and Craig Smith for the No. 2, but Memphis rejected that trade, too. The source said there was never any discussion involving Minnesota’s No. 18 pick.
Memphis discussed sending the No. 2 to Minnesota for the No. 5 and No. 6, but the Timberwolves have been consistent that they don’t want to give away two top 10 picks. The TWolves also rejected the offer for No. 6 and Love. The Timberwolves offered either No. 5 or 6 and Craig Smith for the No. 2, but Memphis rejected that trade, too. The source said there was never any discussion involving Minnesota’s No. 18 pick.
Oklahoma City has already reportedly offered Minnesota to trade the #5 and #6 picks for the #3 selection, where Ricky Rubio is sure to be available for the Timberwolves. Oklahoma City appears to be sending out signals that Rubio is the player they covet at #3, although this could very well be a smokescreen to force Minnesota to trade up if they indeed covet Rubio as much as people think.
From Chad Ford/ESPN:
As we’ve reported, the Wolves are willing to talk about moving the No. 5 and No. 18 picks for either the No. 2 or No. 3 pick in the draft.
But if they can’t get that done, they have a number of other options. We’ve mentioned Ricky Rubio, James Harden, Tyreke Evans and Stephen Curry as possibilities. Add Jonny Flynn to that list as well. Sources say the Wolves are strongly considering Flynn with one of their two lottery picks … if Rubio is off the board.
But if they can’t get that done, they have a number of other options. We’ve mentioned Ricky Rubio, James Harden, Tyreke Evans and Stephen Curry as possibilities. Add Jonny Flynn to that list as well. Sources say the Wolves are strongly considering Flynn with one of their two lottery picks … if Rubio is off the board.
If they take Flynn, chances are they’ll pass on Curry, giving the Knicks a shot at drafting their target.
The top prospects in Thursday’s NBA draft met the media today in New York and point guard Ricky Rubio of Spain didn’t sound too excited about the idea of ending up with the Timberwolves.
ESPN’s TrueHoop reports that Rubio was asked to react to various NBA cities and that his gut reaction to the word “Minnesota” was: “Too cold.”
From Bethlehem Shoals/The Baseline: What Will the Timberwolves Do Next?
From The Big Lead: The Wolves Gave the Keys of the Franchise to David Kahn, and Suddenly He’s Drunk with Power
From the Associated Press:
Harden is expected to be chosen in the top five selections of Thursday’s NBA draft. He did not visit Minnesota initially because the Wolves had the sixth pick, but agreed to a Wednesday workout.
From Bradley Campbell/City Pages: Kevin Love Twitter feed makes headlines
Kahn said Wednesday that he has had talks with Memphis, which holds the No. 2 pick. However, he made it sound as if they were very general discussions. Getting Thabeet or Rubio would really throw a charge into the organization as it attempts to rise from near-fatal dormancy.
Suddenly, the Timberwolves are interesting again. People are curious as to what will happen next. There is a buzz surrounding the team. I thought that was impossible. You could say the franchise already has had “liftoff.” The hardest part may be over.
From Cory Elfrink/Fanball:
This trade works out great for both teams. The Wolves were not going anywhere next season with Miller and Foye, so they were expendable as long as they brought back expiring contracts and a high draft pick. Now, the Wolves will have Jefferson, Love and their three or four first-round picks this season locked up at reasonable prices through 2013 and a lot of cap space next summer. This team could make the playoffs in a couple of seasons
This trade works out great for both teams. The Wolves were not going anywhere next season with Miller and Foye, so they were expendable as long as they brought back expiring contracts and a high draft pick. Now, the Wolves will have Jefferson, Love and their three or four first-round picks this season locked up at reasonable prices through 2013 and a lot of cap space next summer. This team could make the playoffs in a couple of seasons
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