I know that stats on losing teams are heavily distorted, but I don't think I've heard anyone talk about how good of a shooter KAT is.
I'm not saying he is a good big man shooter. I'm saying he is a good shooter and might be elite one day soon.
So far in his career, he is at 44% from 10-16 feet, 48% (8% of his total shots) from 16-23 feet (15% of his total shots), and 38% from 3 (17% of his total shots). That means he takes 40% of his shots from outside 10 feet, but his shooting percentage from out there is over 42%.
Of all the players I've seen with that shot distribution and percentage, the most comparable is Dirk, and KAT is better. KAT is also a better rim protector, rebounder, and post scorer than Dirk.
People have kind of piled on him with the ESPN narratives about his defense, and there is some truth there, but he is probably a better defender right now than Dirk ever has been, especially Dirk in his young 20s.
The problem, having been to a Wolves game (the scary one where Brown fell on his neck/head) and chatting with some fans around me, is that the fan base is tired of the rebuild (although I'd say the guys I talked to seemed content to just make the playoffs). That means that the Wolves would need to get back guys who are ready to compete in the playoffs now.
Al Horford is probably the guy they'd most be interested in, but I don't think Ainge would do that.
Irving is a possibility, but again, I don't think Ainge would do that.
Brown and Tatum are all redundant on their current roster and probably not guys Ainge wants to include in a trade package.
The Cs could offer a "rebuild" package around Rozier, Yabusele, the Kings pick, Memphis pick, etc., but again, I think they'd rather have a proven inside presence.
The only way I could see something happening would be to rope in a third team, sending the Kings pick and Yabusele to them for a proven two-way starter. That brings me to my trade ideas. Not sure any of these trades are legit, but with the number of stars that are unhappy, it may be a bit easier to orchestrate a trade to get them in a deal like this.
Celtics get KAT
Pistons get Teague, Yabusele and the Kings pick
Wolves get Rozier, Drummond, and Memphis Pick, Clippers pick
Celtics get KAT
Wolves get Wall, Yabusele
Wizards get Rozier, Teague, Kings pick, Memphis pick, Clippers pick
Celtics get KAT
Wolves get Lillard, Memphis pick, Clippers pick
Blazers get Rozier, Teague, Yabusele, Kings pick
Celtics get KAT
Wolves get Aldridge, Leonard
Spurs get Teague, Rozier, Yabusele, Dieng, Kings pick, Memphis pick, Clippers pick