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Those Who Ignore History Are Bound to Repeat It

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There is one question that every professional sports team, and just about anyone at some point, asks themselves from time to time: How did I/we get here?

Sometimes the question is asked from the top of the mountain, looking down in a moment of reflection. Sometimes the question is asked from the depths of failure, as a search for even the faintest glimmer of light.

While each situation's gravitas is unique, sports teams adopt a win-now mentality by reflex, and are constantly asking themselves this question (or at least they should be).

I've put together a flow chart to sort out exactly what moves led to the roster that our beloved Timberwolves now hold today; how did they get here?

With a franchise like ours, change of direction is a natural consideration. We're not a good team right now; how do we get better? What are the assets we have? What are our weaknesses? How can exchange with another party put us in a better position?

It is an endless cycle of questioning and testing that is never guaranteed to result in success. We've had our fair share of disappointment, from the franchise's failure to translate a roster built around Kevin Garnett (in multiple iterations) into a championship, to a painful rebuilding process (especially considering the number of injuries to key players that we've withstood).

I'm just blathering now, but these are the thoughts that make me want to trace the chain of events that led us to this state. So I made a flow chart to help me, and hopefully you, understand this team's state.

It's an attempt to trace the series of transactions that led to the particular roster composition (and draft stock) that currently comprises your Minnesota Timberwolves. If you have any suggestions on how to improve clarity or if you notice any errors, please let me know.

Without ProSportsTransactions.com, I would've been lost.

And don't forget to sign up for Hoopus Night (Friday, April 11th against the Suns) now.