this post was submitted on 23 Nov 2023
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The problem is the tax and cap now. This team is not sustainable long term money wise.
Not sure why you’re getting downvotes, that has always been the underlying reason why a trade has been expected.
Very unfortunate timing for Connelly making this move then having the harsher luxury tax restrictions come into effect
OP was talking about the on-court product. There are still people not paying close attention that think KAT-Rudy on court, or either one with Naz, actually works as an on-court product.
All of the trade stuff from national media is also just pure speculation based on known realities of the second apron. No one knows what the orgs plans are.
Without a doubt the front office and ownership are currently devising different strategies based on what our record and seeding is by the trade deadline. But I don’t think any of them are actually talking to national media, other teams, or agents about those strategies at this time.
There’s also the fact that if we do continue like this and Rudy is a DPOY again, and KAT makes All-Star and All-NBA based on his playing, their trade value will increase. Prior to this season, the trade value for both was in the basement. MN will never get back for either of them what they gave up for Rudy, but they’ll get something.
All that can be true: the pairing is working far better than expected, trade value is increasing, OP was talking about just this season, media is speculating etc.
None of that changes the fact that there will be enormous pressure to make moves because of payroll. Gobert, KAT, Naz Reid, Jaden McDaniels and Edwards on a max will all be getting paid next season. For a team that is valued 29th out of 30 that is simply not sustainable, especially when paying Naz Reid replicates some of KAT’s skill set.
Another point: it’s the media’s job to speculate? It’s also your front offices job to talk to other teams and agents to gauge value, which typically reveals something about what their strategies may be. In any case, you are merely speculating about what they may or may not be doing which is hilariously hypocritical.
I mean, the best way to be hypocritical is hilariously so.
That’s not an on-court thing, that’s a front office thing.
OP is saying the national media narrative is that the on-court product doesn’t work.
Which is currently, very clearly not true.
If the team continues to play like this, the Wolves will not be trading KAT or Rudy by the deadline, and the second apron issue will be a thing to deal with after the playoffs.
Most of the smart people in the national media already realize that no matter how well this team plays, it’s not sustainable past this season. They have 4 max contracts on the books, and have to cut somewhere.