Kevin Martin to MIN: 4 years/$28M

[fairweatherfan]

Wow. I think thats a big hit for the Thunder. Whats their next move?

I think they were always meant to let Kevin Martin go. They are right there on the luxury tax line. Difficult for them to keep Martin.

I think Reggie Jackson is their replacement idea. Or maybe Jeremy Lamb. Internal development. Grow their young guards and let them take over those key bench roles.

Yeah I assumed that was the purpose of the deal from day 1.  Martin for one year, then another young SG on a rookie deal.  With Perry Jones 3 as a throw-in.

The big backfire was that the Toronto pick wasn't as good as they'd hoped.

[LooseCannon]

Wow. I think thats a big hit for the Thunder. Whats their next move?

And as far as the Twolves go. I like the Martin signing but still dont get the Budinger deal.

Budinger's tiny cap hold means the T-Wolves can re-sign him and use whatever cap space they clear. Slightly over-paying him (and I think he could have gotten the full MLE from other teams) means they still have cap space and the MLE at their disposal.  So, they basically pay a slight premium to avoid trying to fill that role on the team with a minimum-salary guy.

I'm looking at the contracts.  I guess this means they are renouncing AK-47?

[fairweatherfan]

I'm looking at the contracts.  I guess this means they are renouncing AK-47?

He already opted out:

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/twolves/2013/06/29/andrei-kirilenko-free-agency-minnesota-timberwolves/2475423/

[PhoSita]

Kevin Martin was good for the Thunder for one season.

The Harden trade will ultimately be judged on how much they get from Jeremy Lamb and Steven Adams.

[LooseCannon]

I'm looking at the contracts.  I guess this means they are renouncing AK-47?

He already opted out:

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/twolves/2013/06/29/andrei-kirilenko-free-agency-minnesota-timberwolves/2475423/

I know he opted out.  I am talking about renouncing their non-Bird rights on him to get rid of his cap hold.

[Lucky17]

Is there any chance that this is a S&T of Martin from OKC to the Wolves?

[Who]

Wow. I think thats a big hit for the Thunder. Whats their next move?

I think they were always meant to let Kevin Martin go. They are right there on the luxury tax line. Difficult for them to keep Martin.

I think Reggie Jackson is their replacement idea. Or maybe Jeremy Lamb. Internal development. Grow their young guards and let them take over those key bench roles.

It'd make more sense for it to be Lamb than Jackson. Regardless, I agree that OKC isn't hurt too badly with this deal.

I meant the 6th man role and main offensive threat off the bench. I think they will hand that responsibility over to Reggie Jackson.

Then replace Kevin Martin with a lesser backup SG. Either a vet minimum signing or perhaps Jeremy Lamb if he shows enough improvement (or even more if Lamb shows large improvement).

But, I think Reggie Jackson is next in line for the time being. As 6th man and key bench scorer.

[Who]

Good contract. Minnesota short of wing defenders now though.

G - Rubio, Barea, Ridnour
G - Kevin Martin, Shved
F - Budinger, Shabazz
F - Love, D.Williams, D.Cunningham
C - Pekovic, Dieng

Thats a very good team..may be 6th or 7th best in the West

I am fairly disappointed so far. I thought they would have been the 6th-8th seed last season if not for injuries. So I reckon they are just threading water so far this summer. Making moves but not really upgrading the team. Lateral moves.

I liked their draft though. Shabazz and Dieng looks a strong return.

[eugen]

Every team is getting stronger...

[LooseCannon]

Good contract. Minnesota short of wing defenders now though.

G - Rubio, Barea, Ridnour
G - Kevin Martin, Shved
F - Budinger, Shabazz
F - Love, D.Williams, D.Cunningham
C - Pekovic, Dieng

Thats a very good team..may be 6th or 7th best in the West

I am fairly disappointed so far. I thought they would have been the 6th-8th seed last season if not for injuries. So I reckon they are just threading water so far this summer. Making moves but not really upgrading the team. Lateral moves.

I liked their draft though. Shabazz and Dieng looks a strong return.

They probably need a transitional year just to get rid of some of Kahn's mistakes before they can truly have a shot at being a contender.  Shabazz is the this year's Austin Rivers, the guy that everyone pegs as an over-rated prospect who is the consensus pick for most likely to become a draft bust.

[rondoallaturca]

I still don't see Minnesota being playoff contenders. The West is nothing like the East. Barring significant moves/injuries, the Lakers are going to drop out, and Utah and Portland are currently more ready than Minnesota to take their spot.

[Lucky17]

Good contract. Minnesota short of wing defenders now though.

G - Rubio, Barea, Ridnour
G - Kevin Martin, Shved
F - Budinger, Shabazz
F - Love, D.Williams, D.Cunningham
C - Pekovic, Dieng

Yep. Roster is still a little unbalanced.

But Ridnour, Cunningham, and Williams all represent rotation-worthy players on expiring contracts. So Minnesota still has some assets at their disposal to find some defensive mettle at the wing and frontcourt.

On paper, they look like a playoff team in the West. Will be interesting to see what Portland does with their cap space to try to keep pace.