Why Minnesota T-Wolves Won’t Be Able To Trade Juwan Howard To Boston Celtics Or L.A. Lakers
October 09 07
The Minneapolis Star Tribune updates Juwan Howard status with the Wolves:
Timberwolves coach Randy Wittman calls Juwan Howard’s relocation requests "a little bit blown out [of proportion], from a media standpoint. He’s not demanding to be traded; he just wants the opportunity to win." Said Howard, brought in six weeks before Garnett moved out, "I’m a Minnesota Timberwolf, not going to complain about it, and if I end up staying the entire year, I’m going to work hard."
My Quick Take: Certain media scribes are caught in a time warp. They’re acting like its 1999 and giving Juwan Howard’s trade demand more ’pub’ than his play warrants. The daily updates from Minnesota are getting old.
However, I will fuel Howard’s sense of self-importance and address a couple of trade rumors. I don’t see the former Michigan Wolverine ending up in Los Angeles or Boston. Here’s why:
There are two ways the Lakers can add talent. First, they can swing for the fences and try to acquire a superstar with a big ticket contract. You know the usual suspects: Jermaine O’Neal, Shawn Marion, and Andrei Kirilenko. Second, they can sign an experienced veteran to a cheap one year contract.
Howard doesn’t fall into either of these options. He’s not a star and pulls in a pretty penny at six million dollars per year. Bottom line: the forward wouldn’t improve the Lakers and he would complicate their salary structure for future trades.
Boston’s situation is slightly different. They need veterans to fill out the rotation, so Howard would make sense. But with Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett’s salary on the books, the Celtics are reluctant to assume Howard’s mid-level exception contract.
Look for Howard to stay put with the Wolves. And, unfortunately, the daily trade updates will continue.
Do you think Boston or Los Angeles will acquire Juwan Howard? Get at us in the comment box below with your thoughts.
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