The Minnesota Timberwolves are reportedly sending Al Jefferson to the Utah Jazz for two first-round draft picks. The remainder of Jefferson’s three year, $42 million contract will help make room for more new additions as well. The Wolves continue making moves this summer after getting Michael Beasley from the Miami Heat thanks to the LeBronathon. Beasley was a bargain for the Wolves who only gave up two second-round picks in 2011 and 2014.
Utah was searching for someone to fill the void left by Carlos Boozer moving to the Chicago Bulls last week. Jefferson averaged just over 17 points a game with 9.3 rebounds.
Timberwolves center Al Jefferson was arrested Sunday night for a fourth degree DWI. Jefferson has already been suspended by the organization for the next two games which will cost him about $300,000. Jefferson issued the following apology:
“I want to apologize to the entire Timberwolves organization, owner Glen Taylor, my teammates, coaches and Wolves fans everywhere for my actions last night, I made a very poor decision and I am truly sorry for that. As a leader on this team, I know that more is expected of me, and I am disappointed in myself.”
Jefferson was initially pulled over for speeding in Minneapolis when a trooper spotted him doing 56 in a 40. He is scheduled to appear in court on April 23rd. Jefferson can receive up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Minnesota Sports Blog
According to RealGM, Ricky Rubio has signed a six year deal with Regal Barcelona. Rubio’s $5.3 million buy out from Joventut will be paid by the Spanish League team. Rubio was the Timberwolves #5 pick in this year’s draft, but apparently the two sides couldn’t come together. This leaves Jonny Flynn as the Twolves starting point guard, for now.
UPDATE: ESPN is reporting that the Rubio saga may not be over just yet. NBA sources are saying Rubio hasn’t signed anything yet so no deal has been made.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4423952
http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/61305/20090826/rubio_signs_with_regal_barcelona_affordable_buyout_in_2011/
In the Sunday edition of the Pioneer Press Charley Walters wrote that it would be interesting if the Minnesota Timberwolves made a run at Rudy Gay next summer; also mentioning that Ricky Rubio could be worthwhile trade bait. Not only is Rudy Gay a bad fit for our team but it would be unwise for us to trade an unknown entity in Ricky Rubio. There are many other options in the free agent class of 2010 that would better suit the Wolves plans.
Even though I don’t agree with the potential move (more on that later), if the Wolves decide to pursue Gay next offseason it doesn’t make sense to offer up Rubio in return. Gay is a restricted free agent next summer for a team, the Memphis Grizzlies, which is more interested in cutting payroll than building a competitor. Remember this is the same team that traded Pau Gasol for practically nothing, and Kyle Lowry for a late first round pick. It seems the Grizzlies wouldn’t be willing to match an offer in the $11 million/year range which is the norm for similarly skilled players, e.g. Caron Butler, Danny Granger.
Rudy Gay is the type of player that needs the ball in his hands to make a difference. The Wolves don’t need another player that can put the ball in the basket, but is inept on defense. He isn’t known for his assists, 1.7 per game last year, and was the worst in the league last year at the small forward position in Assist/Turnover ratio at 0.67. Gay has a serviceable rebound rate for a wing player at 5.5 per game, but the Wolves would be better off finding a small forward that can distribute the ball and play defense.
The Wolves will have around $16 million available next summer giving them the opportunity to sign a difference maker free agent that isn’t necessarily Rudy Gay. If they decide to be a player in the free agent market next summer, it would be smart for them to throw money at a perimeter player like Ronnie Brewer, Travis Outlaw or Joe Johnson. Read more…
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