FanPost

One last run at Evan Turner/Brand??

I've been watching Kahn's massive salary dumping and can conclude only one of two things is happening (no he is not clearing space for a free agent next summer, or the high paid vet who will not be available at the trade deadline, since most teams have solved their luxury tax issues).

Simply put: Kahn is either under orders from Taylor & Co. to slash payroll and quit losing money, or he is clearing space to add the last big piece. The first option is most likely reality, but who wants to talk about that...not me. That leaves the option of clearing space and being creative. Why is Kahn clearing space so fast, could he be setting up the big move, and needs to move fast? I bring up Turner/Brand and go back to pre-draft rumors. Supposedly, Turner (i.e the #2 pick) was available to a team willing to take Brand as the downside of the deal. I personally heard Kahn "suggest" that any deal like that would require the other team taking Jefferson in return to balance the cost (it seemed like he was using the interview to send a message). Well, according to JAF, Philly had no interest in Jefferson. So what if the move can be made without taking back Big Al? With Jefferson gone and MN well under the cap, they can easily take on the Brand contract, as long as Philly takes back a couple deals like Brewer and West or Beasley.

Long story short, it seemed that 6 weeks ago a trade of #2/Brand for #4/Jefferson would have been a hit around here, while many others were trying to find a way to move Jefferson for #2 and Brand. The Wolves can basically make the 2nd version now: Beasley/Brewer for Turner/Brand. The #2 pick two years ago for the #2 this year and a lousy contract.

2011 Starting Lineup:

PG: Rubio

SG: Turner

SF: Johnson

PF: Love

C: Mlicic

All that and a nice set of reserves:

I say make the call Kahn, and I have a feeling you already did.