Kahn remains convinced Wolves will draw talent
Minnesota Timberwolves GM David Kahn is faced with another season when the team he’s vowed to transform into a contender may fall short of even 20 victories. Despite the setback this season represents, Kahn remains convinced he can fill any open jobs on the team with high-quality free-agents, should the need arise.
Kahn cites examples like current players Michael Beasley and Anthony Randolph, who have become valuable assets to the team and prefer Minnesota to their previous situations at Miami and New York, respectively. Kahn points out that while Miami has great weather and no personal income tax, he’s not convinced that is what drew Chris Bosch and LeBron James to that team.
“I think the reason Miami was chosen was because Dwyane Wade happened to be there. (Wade) had been drafted by Miami, and the three players wanted to play together. And the only team that had the kind of (salary) cap room necessary to have all three together at the same time was Miami,” said Kahn.
Kahn could be correct. Minnesota finds itself in the coming off-season in a potentially favorable salary cap position. On top of that, provided that labor negotiations do not disrupt the post-season or the start of next season (which is a big if), Minnesota will finally add PG Ricky Rubio to their team at last.
If the Wolves can secure Rubio and sign Love to a long-term contract, the combination of Love, Rubio and Beasley could form a young trio of talent that other top free agents may want to join for the ride as the team improves. That trio is the most promising on Minnesota since the team possessed Kevin Garnett, Tom Gugliotta and Stephon Marbury on the same roster… for about half a season, when Gugliotta and Marbury’s egos exploded, demanding trades and pretty much shattering the Wovles’ franchise for years to come.
Securing Rubio to add to the Love-Beasley mix is an important first step. Adding decent talent around that trio of superstars is the next phase. Keeping them all happy and playing together for years? That’s the real trick.
