That’s a lot to give up for the 5th pick in this draft, but I think I like it.

Now, do we sit tight, and draft a Curry-Harden backcourt, or make another move, perhaps #5 and #18 for #2, and try to get Rubio or Thabeet?

If this is true, Minnesota controls the 2009 draft…

This mean…that We will take #6 and #18 for #2 to get Rubio, and then take thabeet @ #5…..GOD I Love this deal!

Throw in Etan Thomas!..What a Deal!

Early candidate for NBA Executive of the Year.

Holy crap.

PG Rubio-Telfair
SG – Carney..2nd round pick or Lesser known Free agent.
SF- Gomes- Brewer
PF- Jefferson- Love
C- Thabeet – Songaila- Pecherov.

I’m thinking Etan Thomas will be Bought out… but my god i love this deal!

All those big men in return may not be just cap filler—they could be replacements if Love gets moved.

Minnesota Will package #6 and # 18 and a player..maybe Cardinal..to OKC for #3…just maybe..

Kerplunk, the sound of Kahn making a splash.

Two picks in the top 6! Thursday will be interesting. Can’t wait.

If Kahn doesn’t screw this up and if he lands a couple of good players, the Wolves could actually become a pretty good team in a few years.

I’ve hurt you. And I wish to go on hurting you.

- David Kahn

well okay if they keep the 2 picks heres how the lineup could shake out in my hopes with Thabeet and Rubio going before #5

PG Stephen Curry- Bassy
SG Tyreke Evans- Rodney Carney
SF Ryan Gomes – Corey Brewer
PF Kevin Love- Darius Songaila
C- Al Jefferson- Pecherov…

What do you all think of this line up?

Confirms the Deal
http://www.washingtontimes.com/weblogs/outlet/2009/jun/23/wizards-twolves-finalizing-deal/

Paperwork to be filed tomorrow before the draft.

let me be the first to congratulate you guys on either the stephen curry or the ricky rubio era. and maybe both?

Well, if nothing else, this will squash that vapid national speculation that he Wolves were looking to draft someone “to play off Foye.”

I love this, but I hope Kahn doesn’t try to get too clever for his own good.

Absolutely brilliant. I’ve already forgotten who our old GM was. What was his name again? This puts the Wolves and Mr Kahn in the drivers seat come thursday. 5,6 and 18. We could either stay put and rebuild the back court a la Harden/Curry, or move up for Rubio and keep one of 5/6 and take either Curry or Harden, whoever’s left. I have an official mancrush on David Kahn.

are all like “Huh?”

First, I am hoping for Rubio. Big time. Other than that, a good initial rebuilding move.

However, our 4-5 group is now Al, Love, Pechorov, Songalia, Thomas, Maddog, Smith, Cardinal. Eight guys, 96 minutes. I don’t know anything about Pech, but we are sitting on 4 guys who will never see the court (and our Euor Pec). And our 1-3 is 5 guys for can’t get anywhere near 144 minutes on a decent team. Something else is coming, we can’t depend on 2 rookie guards right away.

Who else is on the way out? What scares me is it might be Love. On the other hand, we aren’t drafting Thabeet (thankfully) even if we do draft up (and if we do it better not be 5 and 6).

My condolences to the #6 pick.

But I’m worried that they’ll do 5 and 6 for 2, which isn’t fair value no matter who’s there at 5 and 6. They might hold onto both until they see who slips and then look to make a move.

I bet this comes down to draft night. Memphis takes Rubio at #2 (he needs to go that high for his buyout) and then if the right player falls to #5 we trade #5 and #18 to Memphis for Rubio.

And Kahn, not so stupid, is playing it all “yeah, we’re keeping #5 and #6” to put the pressure on Memphis – because we won’t give up both for #2 and because #5 and #6 will be good players so it’s fine to stick with ’em.

It ain’t a bluff.

What happens to 18 and 28? We need to add multiple guards, but we also have about 13 too many power forwards. We’re nowhere near done dealing.

The pre-draft talk was that Wolves would not keep their 3 picks. Now they have 4 first rounders. To trade Love and a pick like 5 or 6 for the 2nd pick still leaves three picks. Thus, back to where they started. This definitely has to be a stay tuned.

“we shouldn’t be shocked if #5 and #6 are traded for Rubio”

Kahn should have enough Brain Cells in his head to realize that The #5 and #6 is too Much and that #6 and #18 is Plenty Enough.

Nobody is asking (yet) but unless traded as individuals (maybe draft choices can be packaged?) the Wolves must wait two months before packaging any of the incoming Wizard players in another trade.

Somebody at the Startribune blog just asked if we draft Rubio and Thabeet..with Al, Love, Rubio and Thabeet…would that be enough to Entice Lebron in 2010! BAHAHAHHAHAHAHAAH

Apparently Russell Westbrook told Management in OKC that he wan’t out if they draft Rubio…which would be pointless with Westbrook having a hell of a rookie season.

The wolves now have multiple picks in one of the worst drafts in several years. Even the salaries don’t help. Foye and Miller are roughly 12 million per year for two more years. The package the Wizards sent are roughly 12 million per year for two more years with one more additional year of Songolia for a little over 4 million. The wizards unloaded three unwanted contracts and got two useful players for the measly price of the fifth pick in a poor draft. They might still be laughing.

and we take Evans and Curry…do we make a Deal concerning the #18 and #28 to move up and take BJ Mullens..or would you think we are Set after getting 6’9 Songaila, 7’0 Pecherov and 6’10 Thomas?…

I think somebody above mentioned it, but the Wolves’ frontcourt, upon completion of this trade now includes Jeff, Love Cardinal, Madsen, Smith, Songaila, Thomas, Pecherov and maybe Williams. That’s a lot of loot tied up in what could be useless contracts. Cardinal, Madsen and Smith are expirings. Don’t be suprised if one or a few of them are moved in another trade with a team looking to cut salary.

Wow! Apparently today’s the day where the deals start happening!

When it comes to the NBA draft, I’m always, always, always a quality over quantity guy. So that’s to say, if they’ve done their homework on Rubio and they really like him enough and they’ve exhausted all the other avenues, then I’m not flat out opposed to just trading the 5 and 6 to get him. But if the plan B is now 2 of Harden/Curry/Evans…that’s out of sight, too. (Just no Jonny Flynn, please!).

Obviously by including both Foye and Miller, 2-guard is now the bigger need than PG, as Bassy’s still around… Obviously now the best case scenario is they can get to 2 by holding on to one of the 5/6, then take Rubio + Harden/Curry/Evans. But as I said, I just love how at the very least they’re going to likely end up with 2 of the Harden/Curry/Evans group (or at least a shot to do that, provided there’s no Flynning around).

Pecherov has a nice skillset but was underutilised at the Wizards. His jumpshot is better than Al’s and Kevin’s. If there is ball movement between the frontcourt during doubles (on Al) he could be lethal. The problem is that he is a bad defender and rebounder

because I’m sure we can get two players that can really help the team there. If we decide to package the 5 and 6 to Memphis, then we definately should go after Harden. I’m still nervous about Rubio’s youth, injury history and shooting skills – maybe #6 and #18 would be better. And what’s with the Thabeet lovefest around here? I still think that he represents the highest risk for a bust in this draft – weak offensively and, other than in a straight zone where he’s just a goalie, his D will be pedestrian at best.

Anyway, I think we better fasten the seatbeats cuz this may just be the beginning!

how much has this deal changed the dynamics of trading up? We may have just lowered the price for pick 2 by holding all the assets.

Short of Sacramento putting 4 & 23 on the table, who can do a better deal than 5 &18 for 2?

Overview: Songaila has established himself as a solid and versatile role player in the league, mainly thanks to his toughness and basketball IQ. He can operate as a face-up power forward and can be dangerous at times with his jump shot. Can also be tricky in the post, using shot-fakes and footwork to free himself for good looks at the basket. Gets used situationally against every frontcourt position.

Strengths: Songaila is most dangerous from the elbow to the baseline, 17 feet and in. He’s developed a fairly reliable mid-range jumper and does not lose effectiveness when guarded, which speaks to his rhythm shooting tendencies. Songaila has solid footwork in the post and likes to face-up against opponents. He’ll use spin moves and up-and-under tricks to get off difficult hook shots or bank shots off the glass, and is very crafty moving off the ball. Very good body control and good hands allows him to finish a lot of one-handed shots around the paint area. He’s an excellent passer, which helps make up for his other shortcomings.

Defensively, Songaila makes a strong effort defending the 4. He’s fairly strong at keeping his space and moving his feet to stay in front of drivers and uses his body to good effect when in the post. He’s willing to throw his body around to draw charges or commit hard fouls.

Weaknesses: Songaila is a below average player offensively, not bringing much in the ways of versatility or efficiency on this end. A streaky set shooter at times, really relies on putting the ball on the floor to get a feel for the basket. Doesn’t possess outstanding range either so his creativity on offense is limited primarily to within 17 feet of the basket, though he does hit a decent amount of catch-and-shoot opportunities around the FT line extended when moving into the shot. His lack of size and explosiveness gets exposed at times finishing at the rim, as he’s susceptible to having his shot blocked. He rarely gets to the free throw line.

Defensively, Songaila is prone to excessive fouling. He’s undersized, and doesn’t have the athleticism to necessarily compensate for that. His limited perimeter foot speed forces him to rely on physical defense with his body and he is whistled frequently for contact fouls on drives. While he uses spacing well to protect on drives, he is a liability when defending a face-up opponent who forces him to play tight on the jumper. Songaila has to pick his battles on the defensive side of the ball, sticking to his strengths. He’s not a great rebounder for his position.

Overview: Thomas is a very efficient two-way player with the versatility to play both power forward and center. Though undersized, he is extremely aggressive and uses his powerful frame to back his man down, throw his elbows and shoulders around, and create space to get his shot off. Defensively, Thomas uses the same type of physical, frenetic, style to intimidate his opposition. He’s an excellent rebounder on both ends of the floor. Was forced to sit out the 07-08 season with a heart problem, but is scheduled to return in 08-09.

Offense: Thomas is effective in the post, using simple hook shots to score around the basket most often. He doesn’t have incredible footwork and is almost completely lacking any use of a jump-shot, but he is extremely effective at using his body to create space and has good finishing ability once he’s free for the score. Thomas is a strong player in the team offense as well. He uses basket cuts, pick-and-rolls, and offensive rebounds to get his points. Very intelligent on the court, usually makes the right read and understands his role, even if he’s a bit turnover prone. He gets to the free throw line at a decent rate, but shoots a very poor percentage once there.

Defense: Thomas is a harassing style of defender, a long, strong and athletic big man who aggressively bodies up on his man in the post or presses up on him when facing up. He’s not afraid to give the hard foul and he keeps active with his help defense. Thomas is a pretty solid weak-side shot-blocker and is solid on the defensive glass. Isn’t as comfortable when pulled out onto the perimeter, but gets away with a lot of body contact on drives, so he’s good at keeping face-up forwards shooting instead of driving. He’s slightly undersized for an NBA center.

for the Wolves. I mean, they give up their best shooters- and they don’t have many with Mike Miller and Randy Foye who are also the 2nd and 3rd best players on the team in my opinion.

In return they basically get three not-so-good PF/C’s and ONE pick.
Even if they’re able to get Rubio or Thabeet and Curry, I really wouldn’t trade that for Mike Miller and Randy Foye. Now they need help at the SG/SF position, so if they get Rubio or Thabeet, they could only get one of those, the best being probably DeMar DeRozan at both positions. I really wanted Curry so he could start at PG with Randy/Mike at SG, but now that doesn’t really work out. If he plays SG, then Bassy, who’s okay, would start instead.

I guess it makes (a lot of) sense for the Wizards, dump their worst players, and Wittman gets to coach Foye and Miller again. They also get a veteran 3-point ace and a great, young rising Randy Foye with a great shot.

Overall, I think this was a horrible trade for the Wolves and a great trade for the Wizards and now, I’m not very excited with Kahn as GM instead.

Are the Wizards just picking who the Wolves want, then later the league approves the deal? How many different hats does the poor guy have to wear?

need to find a way to get Rubio and Thabeet, without giving up Love or Jefferson. I’d take those 4, and 8 homeless men, and feel unbelievable about our future. The biggest contingency in making it happen is probably OKC and whether they would take Harden over Thabeet at #3. I assume we’d have to trade up to 2 (maybe for 6/18/Pekovic), draft Rubio, have OKC take Harden, and then have Sacramento take Evans, Curry, Holiday or Flynn.

If the trade announced today was Foye+Miller+#6 to Memphis for #2 would many people be complaining? If not, then #5 and #6 to Memphis as the same deal. Make Memphis take on one of the contracts from the Wiz, or Cardinal, since 5&6 is a little much for 2 this year.

Then trade #18 and #28 to move up high enough to get Hansbrough, see what he can do for a year, and if he shows promise then next year Wolves can use Love in a deal to draft Cole Aldrich.

End Thursday with Rubio and Hansbrough and a couple more 2nd round Euros and it is a great start.

A Lineup like this would be a perfect Lineup to build a franchise team on.

PG – Rubio, Telfair
SG – Curry, Carney
SF – Gomes, Brewer
PF – Love, Songaila/Rhino
C – Jefferson, Thomas/Pecherov.

Will be as effective at PF as Love in two years.

I agree it probably is, that is why I make Memphis take back a bad contract. That being said if the Wolves trade #5 and #6 to get #2 we won’t know for a couple years if it was a good trade. It ultimately comes down to who the Wolves pick. Assuming they take Rubio and he is as good as some say, it is a great move——if he is as bad as some others say it will be a bad move even if we don’t trade up and he falls to #5. Like Kahn says, this team needs a #1 and they may not be in position again to get one (win 40 games next year and Clippers get the Wolves #1).

I am assuming the Wolves will overpay a little to control their destiny (remember what happened the last time Foye was traded to see the value in controlling your destiny). Since they have 12 players now under contract with 6 picks on Thursday they can overpay a little…..they don’t need to stash three more Euros either.

1. LA Clippers are taking Blake Griffin
2. Memphis is in the shit. Wallace can’t take Rubio. Thabeet works for him, but has stated he doesn’t want to play there. They need a 4 or 5. Wallace loves the local kid Evans (for reasons past understanding…one basketball for him and Mayo?), but needs to get value for pick # 2. We give him # 6 and # 18. With # 6, he takes Jordan Hill and we get Rubio. With # 18, maybe a Mullens or Earl Clark type. Wallace can sell this.
BOTTOM LINE: We take Rubio.
3. OKC takes Thabeet. This is a stone cold lock. The infatuation with a hugely overpaid Tyson Chandler tells you all you need to know about OKC draft priorities. They want a huge, mobile basket protector and Thabeet is available at a fraction of Chandler’s price.
4. SAC – With Rubio gone, they go for need with a PG and totally overreach. My guess is Flynn or Holiday. Maybe Evans…
5. WOLVES – James Harden to fill out our backcourt of the future.
6. WOLVES – We draft Jordan Hill for Memphis

This scenario leaves us with:

1 – Rubio / Bassy
2 – Harden / Brewer / Budinger
3 – Gomes / Brewer / Budinger
4 – Love / Songaila / Rhino
5 – Al / Thomas / Pecherov