Wednesday Morning Shootaround: Straight Cash, Ricky

I sit on my couch and await something to come across my televisoin that’s related to the Minnesota Timberwolves – more importantly something on ESPN that says "LeBron’s New Love" or "Love to Cleveland?"

(Yes, I’ll touch on the Ricky Rubio contract thing soon… Don’t worry.)

I’ve questioned something a lot lately (something our Zach Bennett did months ago), though. Is trading Love the best option for this team?

I’m not so sure.

So far, the best offer (well, end result might be the better word) would be to trade Love to the Cleveland Cavaliers for No. 1 pick Andrew Wiggins. That sounds great and dandy and I know I‘ll get some criticism on this in the comment section, but doesn’t every top-3 pick strive to be a top-10 or top-15 player in the NBA? Isn’t Love a top-10 or 15 player in the league?

I would certainly ask for a first-rounder and either Thompson or Waiters in this deal. I think at least one of those two will be available once the Love rumors really heat up.

People say that if the Wolves don’t trade, Love walks for nothing. That’s true.

What’s also true is that if the Wolves have Love on the squad their playoffs chances obviously increase. That says something for a squad that hasn’t made the playoffs since I was in eighth grade… Puke.

I’m not saying the Wolves are going to making the playoffs, but a playoff appearance can be an asset to a team as well.

In five or 10 years from now I could describe this better. For now, I’ll say, there’s not a right or wrong answer. There’s not winner or loser. Not yet at least.

Now, let’s get to some news.

Okay, More Love News

Apparently the Minnesota-Golden State trade rumors have heated back up. Forgive us if we are not on the edge of our seats here. The Warriors are reportedly not putting Klay Thompson in any deal. The Wolves want Klay Thompson, much like they want Wiggins.

I’ll say this: Both of these teams risk not getting Love, or a player like Love, in free agency anytime soon. Thompson isn’t a franchise-building player. Wiggins is a rookie. Teams might regret this.

Quick FA News

Former Wolves wing Mike Miller has agreed to play in Cleveland for the next two seasons next to his buddy LeBron James. Funny thing is, Pat Riley deemed him done two seasons ago… Oh, Pat.

Dywane Wade is staying with the Heat for at least two more seasons. Nobody’s surprised.

Rubio Wants WHAT?!

Honestly, this isn’t much of a surprise. Ricky Rubio’s agent, Dan Fegan, has reportedly said Rubio wants a max contract. Don’t we all…

This is more of Fegan's move. He's an agent. This is what agent's do. No need to overreact.

Rubio is an average point guard in the NBA. That’s it. They are better off waiting the season out, waiting for another team to make him an offer in free agency and match it. Rubio will be a restricted FA, so there’s really no urgency to get a deal done.

Watch out for New York, though. It might not be a max deal, but I wouldn’t be shocked if New York offered Rubio something big if it whiffs on other targets next season. Obviously Durant in 2016 is the main prize, but for a team that’s dealt with Raymond Faton the last few years, a quick guard like Rubio would be appreciated.

I won’t touch too much into Summer League because Bennett’s been killing the coverage for us. Good work, ZB. Good work indeed.

Have a good hump day, friends. Here’s to Dirk. He turned down multiple max offers because he’s awesome.