Who Will Minnesota Wolves Trade Next: Juwan Howard, Marko Jaric, Theo Ratliff, Or Antoine Walker?
October 27 07
Antoine Walker talks about joining Minnesota:
"But coming here gives me an opportunity to be a leader again and kind of put my stamp on some of these young guys and help them out to become better players. Help them in off-the-court decisions as well as on the court. I want to play basketball. Miami-it was getting outside and just playing basketball. I love to play the game. I want to play. Everything was hi-lighted up, too much for me so this was a good situation for me." (Eyewitness News)
My Quick Take: Antoine Walker is being professional and keeping an open mind about suiting-up for the Wolves. Of course,
Minnesota’s rebuilding project has started, so the shoulder-shimmy knows he could be moved at anytime to clear cap space and create minutes for developing players.
After all, the Wolves are in fire sale mode. No offer to low. All established, big contract players must go. Let’s take a look at the veterans Minnesota could move:
1) Juwan Howard
Why He Goes: Howard has pulled a Kobe Bryant, flip-flopping on his trade demands all summer. A contender might like the veteran as a bench piece/spot-starter. Howard only has two years left on his contract-the first guaranteed at 7 million dollars and the second is a player option for 7.5 million dollars.
Why He Stays: The forward is still useful and, if he buys-in, could be a positive influence on the Wolves’ younger players. Frankly, Kevin McHale, the team’s GM, has more immediate issues than dealing the former ’Fab-Five’ star.
2) Marko Jaric
Why He Goes: Jaric also requested a trade.
Why He Stays: The Serbian has four years and 27 million dollars remaining on his contract. No team will pick up Jaric’s salary unless the Wolves take back a bad contract. McHale should try to buyout his moody combo guard.
3) The Ratliff
Why He Goes: Ratliff’s 11 million dollar salary comes off the books in July, so other teams have interest in acquiring him for the cap relief.
Why He Stays: Ratliff can start at center, which allows Al Jefferson to stay at his natural power forward position. The Wolves will also want to keep his expiring salary.
4) Antoine Walker
Why He Goes: This is Atlanta, the remix. After failing with the Mavs, Walker had a fifty game audition with the Hawks before getting dealt to the Celtics at the trade deadline. If Walker gets in shape, then he could get a one-way ticket out of town.
Why He Stays: The former All-Star’s poor fitness and conditioning could keep in Minnesota. And Walker has four years and 38 million dollars left on his contract; however, only 2 years and 19 million are guaranteed.
Who will the Wolves trade next? Get at us in the comment box below with your thoughts.
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