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Year-Round News & Updates on the Minnesota Timberwolves
If it's up to Kyrie Irving, he's played his last game for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Reports surfaced this afternoon that the star point guard who has been to three-consecutive NBA finals no longer wants to play with LeBron James (he may be the only player in the League). In all honesty, it makes sense in two different scenarios. Number one: he is tired of playing second fiddle to LBJ and wants a chance to lead a team -- like he was promised when he signed that five-year extension back in 2014 just weeks before LeBron returned to Cleveland. Number two: Kyrie knows that the Cavaliers are on the brink of implosion. GM David Griffin is no longer there and LeBron won't be hanging around much longer. Considering the lack of moves the Cavaliers have made this summer, it makes sense that Kyrie sees the writing on the wall and knows that if there was ever a time to get out of town, this summer may be his only option until 2019. The Cavaliers have handcuffed themselves. They have a lot of high-quality players, however since Kevin Durant took his talents to the Bay -- they simply can't match up with the NBA's elite. To clarify, the NBA's elite is Golden State and only Golden State. So, with all that said, how does this pertain to Minnesota? Well, the Timberwolves were listed as one of four preferred landing spots for the all-star point guard. The others include Miami, New York, and San Antonio. It was reported late Friday afternoon, however that New York is not on the list of preferred landing spots. While it's incredible to see one of the NBA's premier players interested in suiting up for the Minnesota Timberwolves, it is highly unlikely to happen. First of all, the Cleveland Cavaliers have no ultimatum to trade Irving. He's under contract for the next two years. Ultimately, the Cavaliers could hold on to Kyrie, when LeBron may walk. Then, the Cavs can fulfill that promise they made to Irving when he signed his extension. I highly doubt that the Cavaliers are going to be able to find a deal that makes financial sense, while also netting them quality in return. What could the Timberwolves realistically offer? They can't trade any of the free agents that they have signed until December 15th (Jeff Teague, Taj Gibson, and Jamal Crawford). A deal centered around Andrew Wiggins would likely be a starting point to get the two sides talking. Jimmy Butler isn't going anywhere and Karl-Anthony Towns is absolutely untouchable. Add to the fact that Jeff Teague can't be traded until mid-December, which means that if a deal was reached, the two would likely have to share a backcourt with one another. Not exactly ideal. That being said, Kyrie Irving is one of the most talented players in the NBA and netting him would undoubtedly make the Timberwolves contenders, a near-guarantee that they would make the Western Conference Finals. Stay tuned for HOWL for all the updates!
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Cody AndersonA TWolves fan, bringing you the daily updates. News Archives
August 2017
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