State of the Timberwolves Organization

By Mark Waters

I follow the wolves just about as much as I do the Twins (which is saying something) and I'm honestly very pleased with this trade.

Obviously, KG's giant salary along with a bevy of terrible long term contracts is what destroyed any hope of the Wolves winning a championship while Garnett is still relevant (age factor).

Honestly out of the other trade scenarios (Phoenix, Lakers, Golden State, etc.) this trade was the best for us long term.

- Although Al Jefferson will probably never be on the same skill level as KG, he still will be a great big man for the next decade in a wolves jersey.

- Gomes has shown all signs of being a productive backup, and we could use another solid bench player along side Craig Smith and McCants to give this team much needed depth.

- Green has the potential to be great, but still remains a questionmark as to whether or not he'll pan out. The best part about his expiring contract is if he performs well this season, great we resign him and he will be another good, young core player next to Al, Foye, and Brewer. If he stinks, then we simply don't resign him and not have to be stuck with him sitting on the bench for the next 4 years.

- Ratliff, Telfair, and ricky Davis' expiring contracts will free up enough money to resign Al to a big extension (he is a restricted free agent, so it's safe to say he ain't going anywhere). There are also alot of rumors going around that the wolves are trying to trade hassell, blount and Jaric. I doubt all three will get dealt this year, but at least one of those ugly contracts should be shipped off. Thus making it possible for the wolves to buy a good free agent.

- By trading garnett and throwing a bunch of young players on a new team will most likely result in the wolves landing a top 7 pick in what looks to be another deep draft.

- The two 1st round picks obtained should help us add some role players to the core.

I am also positive that Mchale will step down at seasons end, because he wanted to take full responsibility for the Garnett trade (if it fails) so Hoiberg and co. wont take the heat when they replace him.

In Mark's perfect world, the wolves would draft the best player available in 08, and sign Elton Brand (who is unhappy in L.A.) Imagine Brand and Jefferson 2 years from now in the paint for us. yikes.

So in retrospect, There are three things you want when trading your franchise player to begin the rebuilding process: Cap Relief, Young, promising talent, and draft picks. The Wolves got all three here. I admit, I have been a front runner for McFail's head, but I have to give him credit for what he's done with this trade.

Angry or not, there was no chance that KG would win a championship in Minnesota, so instead of just letting him walk (whether he opted out next year or left at the end of the current contract) and get nothing for him, we got a solid bench player, and future great in Jefferson, two first round picks, cap relief, and a possible x-factor in green.

For the first time in 3 years, I will actually be excited to watch the TWolves.

Thanks for the memories KG, and I hope you win a championship out there.