I think you are either greatly undervaluing Jefferson, or overvaluing Maggette.
Corey Maggette has one of the worst contracts in the league, and would be a major liability for any team to take on financially.
Jefferson on the other hand is still a very young player, who has a ton of potential, and is paid reasonably for his production.
So if Minnesota were to trade Jefferson, they would expect to get someone much better than Maggette in return. They also have little use for Sheed, since they have cap space anyways.
a little of both.
big al has a ton of talent but...
-the kevin love, jefferson logjam in the middle of lake wobegon will be cleared this summer. one will be playing elsewhere
-jeffersons d
-darko impressed wolves management and IMO he will be starting next to love or jefferson (whichever sticks).
The wolves need magette more than any team in the league. he is a wing scorer who can create his own shot from anywhere on the court. an ironman whom the pups can lean on for several years while they develop. he and good passing k love can run the pick and role while jonny flynn, brewer and #4 develop (or until the cows come home).
the wolves may be able to pick up that type of player in FA, they may land Gay or JJ but its not likely. who's going to sign onto that rebuilding project?. their best bet at landing a scoring wing is by trade. maggette's a multi dimensional talent who is locked up for years.
I think in any other 2 cities this trade would be laughed at but magette is a perfect fit with the young wolves and Jefferson's Big O game fits nicely into gs's nelson state of mind.