All-Star Break Cup: Trade Deadline Approaches

I have come to appreciate the longer All-Star break the league instituted. I think we all can use the break from games; it’s time to take a deep breath and consider goals for the rest of the season.

On the other hand, I am completely uninterested in the All-Star festivities themselves. I was not interested last season when the Wolves had guys involved in multiple events (and obviously stole the show on Saturday night,) and I am not interested this season either.

However, it is also the time when the whole league gathers in advance of the trade deadline, so there should be lots of rumors to chew on over the next several days. We’ve already seen a few moves (including Serge Ibaka re-locating to Toronto,) and I expect several more.

That said, I would bet against the Wolves doing anything. The roster is fairly thin at the moment, and the trade assets limited. Sure, Shabazz Muhammad or Nemanja Bjelica could be moved, but for what? Both of them seem to have a least a little trust from Thibs, and are they really in a position to upgrade with those pieces?

Despite persistent rumors, it’s hard to see Ricky Rubio getting moved this week, given the current alternatives. Regardless of whether Thibs has changed his tune on Rubio as a long-term fit, he’s clearly reliant on him at the moment. I’m assuming they put that off until the summer at this point.

I do think we’ll get several more trades, though I doubt any stars will move. But there are guys who could help contenders that seem to be available, so some things will probably get done.

That’s about all I got this morning, just wanted to get a thread up for you all.

Oh, today’s musical birthday is Billie Joe Armstrong, front man for Green Day:

Have a great Friday.

PS: I just liked that picture of Thibs. No other reason.