Kahn Fined $50,000 For Comments About Beasley

The NBA fined Minnesota Timberwolves president of basketball operations David Kahn $50,000 according to the Pioneer Press.

The team itself was also has fined the team $50,000 for Kahn’s “inappropriate comments” concerning recently acquired forward Michael Beasley.

While it wasn’t mentioned in the release, the most egregious comment was probably Kahn’s referring to Beasley’s pot smoking.

“He’s a very young and immature kid who smoked too much marijuana and has told me that he’s not smoking anymore, and I told him that I would trust him as long as that was the case,” Kahn said.

David Kahn Says Michael Beasley Smoked Too Much Marijuana In Miami

Minnesota Timberwolves president David Kahn went on record with some interesting remarks about recent Timberwolves acquisition Michael Beasley while talking to Tom Pelissero from ESPN radio Thursday.

“He’s a very young and immature kid who smoked too much marijuana and has told me that he’s not smoking anymore, and I told him that I would trust him as long as that was the case,” Kahn said.

Kahn went on to justify Beasley’s immaturity by noting that he’s still growing up, even saying that if Kahn would have been put in the same situation that he wouldn’t have handled it any easier.

“He has developed a really good support system around him this past season in Miami. He’s hired people to help him grow up. He is growing up — he’s not grown up. He’s 21 … and he just turned 21 last January, and if you think back, as I do all the time, to when I was 21 and if you had given me this kind of money and put me in this kind of world with these kinds of pressures attached to it and some of the demands, I don’t know (that) I would have handled it any easier than, say, he has.”

Kahn also believes that due to Beasley being so young that he’ll be able to learn from his mistakes going forward.

“I think that if Michael was 25 or 26, maybe I would have felt differently about things. But I feel very strongly that some of these kids simply deserve the opportunity to make mistakes and grow up. The issue is, will they learn from their mistakes? Will they grow from them? In Michael’s case, there’s no evidence yet to suggest he won’t, meaning that he should be able to grow from these mistakes.”

Last, but not least, Kahn reminds everyone that he’s willing to take risks.

“So far, so good by the way. He had a very issue-free season last season in Miami. So, we expect more of the same with us. We’re very cognizant that we, too, as a club have to help him with some resources and make certain that we’ve got everything there to help him continue to grow. But I think it’s going to be fine, and he’s an incredible talent, and for us to be able to land him for … two second-round picks — that’s the kind of risk that I’ll take any day of the week.”

Timberwolves Officially Acquire Michael Beasley

It took four days for it to become official, but the Minnesota Timberwolves have acquired Michael Beasley from the Miami Heat in exchange for two second-round draft picks and cash considerations.

After early reports had the Timberwolves sending one second round pick and the two sides swapping first round picks within the next seven years, the terms of the deal changed, with the Wolves sending two second round picks and money to the Heat in exchange for the 21-year old forward.

#Timberwolves-Heat Beasley trade no longer has first-round pick swap, second-round picks in 2011 and 2014 and cash considerations instead.

Michael Beasley Deal Could Be Finalized Monday

There has been no comment from the Minnesota Timberwolves on forward Michael Beasley. That’s because the deal has still not been officially completed. Jerry Zgoda of the Star Tribune hints that the deal could be finalized with the league office on Monday; potentially after the Wolves make an additional roster move.

David Kahn wouldn’t talk today about Michael Beasley and the trade agreed upon with Miami late Thursday night because the deal hadn’t been finalized with the league office.

That might not come until Monday now, quite possibly because the Wolves have one more move to make before completing the Beasley deal.

Could that move be trading Al Jefferson?

We’ll see soon enough.

John Hollinger Loves Michael Beasley Trade For Minnesota

ESPN analyst John Hollinger has been critical of Minnesota general manager David Kahn recently but he is a big fan of the Timberwolves’ trade for Michael Beasley.

I remain stubbornly fond of Beasley despite his struggles in Miami. For starters, he’s played dramatically better as a power forward than a small forward, and hopefully that will be his full-time position in Minnesota. According to 82games.com, Beasley had a PER of 18.9 as a power forward and just 14.9 as a small forward, which is entirely consistent with his advantages as a player — he’s too quick for power forwards to guard, but not quite skilled enough on the blocks to take advantage of small forwards.

Even with that, he’s not exactly chopped liver. He’s averaged better than a point every two minutes for his NBA career and he’s only 21 years old. This is exactly the type of player the Wolves should be looking to snatch as part of their rebuilding project — young, talented players that circumstance places on their doorstep for a pittance.

Meanwhile, Stop-n-Pop of SB Nation’s Canis Hoopus argues that Kahn has gotten a bad rap this summer and says the Beasley trade is a risk-free venture for Minnesota.

As for Mike Beasley, the Wolves get a peak at the 2nd pick in the 2008 Draft for a swap of first rounders with the Heat sometime in the next 7 years. There is literally no downside to this deal. Al Jefferson is on his way out so we don’t have to worry about the logjam at the 4, there will be plenty of minutes for Beasley to showcase whatever chip he should have on his shoulder at this point in his career, and it’s not like the Wolves aren’t getting a guy who still has a massive upside.

There will always be the issue of him getting his head screwed on straight, but the one player I have always viewed as a valid comp for Beasley is a poor man’s Carmelo Anthony.

First-Round Swap Can Be Pushed Back

As part of the Michael Beasley trade, the Minnesota Timberwolves also agreed to swap first round picks with the Miami Heat as Ben Golliver mentioned below. Jerry Zgoda of the Star Tribune writes that this section of the trade can be pushed back up to seven years from now.

The Wolves agreed to absorb Beasley’s $5 million salary in exchange for a 2011 second-round pick and a swap of future first-round picks that the Wolves can extend out to seven years from now.

The early consensus on the acquisition seems to be good for the Wolves. The move is low-risk, high-reward, and Beasley is still just 21-years old.

Further Details On Michael Beasley Trade

Jerry Zgoda of the Star-Tribune adds that the Michael Beasley trade also includes a swap of future first round picks. Of course, a swap would only take place if the Timberwolves finish above the Heat in the standings. That will probably happen… never.

Report: Minnesota Trades For Miami Heat Forward Michael Beasley

ESPN's Marc Stein reports via twitter that the Minnesota Timberwolves and Miami Heat have agreed to a trade that will send troubled small forward Michael Beasley, the No. 2 pick in the 2008 draft, from Miami to Minnesota.

For everything Timberwolves, head over to SB Nation's Canis Hoopus.

Kahn Stands Firm, Says Wolves Won't Trade Flynn

When trade rumors including point guard Jonny Flynn’s name surfaced around the beginning of the NBA Draft, Timberwolves’ president David Kahn said that there was ‘no way’ the Wolves would trade him. Today, with a rumor putting Flynn’s name in connection with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Kahn reiterated that point.

David Kahn: “Jonny Flynn is not being traded.” #Timberwolves

Things could always change, but Kahn has been very adamant from the beginning in saying the team is keeping Flynn in Minnesota.

Report: Cavaliers Looking At Jonny Flynn

With LeBron James signing a deal with his future team tonight, and with indications that he’s leaning toward the Miami Heat, the Cleveland Cavaliers are apparently attempting to sway him to stay home. According to Brian Windhorst of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Cavs are currently in trade talks with the Timberwolves regarding point guard Jonny Flynn.

Sources: Cavs are in trade talks with Minnesota Timberwolves for PG Jonny Flynn. Flynn is represented by #LeBron’s agent & LRMR.

How serious the talks are is not yet clear, but the Cavaliers seem intent on signing a point guard to help keep James in Ohio.

David Kahn: 'No way' Wolves Would Trade Flynn for No. 10

Tom Pelissero of 1500ESPN.com tweets confirmation that the Indiana Pacers contacted the Minnesota Timberwolves in regards to Jonny Flynn:

Kahn confirmed #Pacers called about trading No. 10 pick for PG Jonny Flynn but there’s “no way” the #Wolves would do that.

For more on the Timberwolves, head over to SB Nation’s Canis Hoopus.

One Player David Kahn Isn't Trading For: Anthony Randolph

There are a lot of rumors going around about Minnesota Timberwolves General Manager David Kahn and players he may or may not be trading for. Ray Richardson of TwinCities.com makes clear that Kahn is not about to deal for Golden State Warriors forward Anthony Randolph.

In another development, Kahn confirmed that the Wolves and Golden State have had “preliminary” talks about 6-foot-10 forward Anthony Randolph but denied a trade was imminent.

“It won’t take place this week, if it happens at all,” Kahn said of the Randolph trade talks.

For more Timberwolves chatter, head over to SB Nation’s Canis Hoopus.

Report: David Kahn Will Trade Ryan Gomes?

David Aldridge of NBA.com writes that Minnesota Timberwolves forward Ryan Gomes is the most likely player to be traded on draft night.

Minnesota forward Ryan Gomes. His 2010-11 salary of $4.23 million is only guaranteed for $1 million for next season, so a team that acquires him on June 24 can save $3.23 million in cap room by July 1 if he’s released. You can’t find that kind of savings anywhere east of your area Target on President’s Day. It may well wind up that Gomes is traded on Thursday, released on Monday and re-signed by Minnesota to a new contract later in the summer.

For all things Timberwolves, head over to SB Nation’s Canis Hoopus.

Is David Kahn Shopping Jonny Flynn Now Too?

Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports tweets that Minnesota Timberwolves General Manager David Kahn is considering trading his first pick in the 2009 NBA draft and starting point guard, Jonny Flynn, for the No. 10 pick in this year’s draft.

Minnesota offering Jonny Flynn and two first-round picks (16 and 23) to Indiana for a package that includes the 10th pick, sources tell Y!

Mike Wells of IndyStar.com tweeted about a similar deal, although his phrasing seems to imply it was the Pacers who initiated the discussions.

T-Wolves turn down Pacers offer of the 10th pick for PG Jonny Flynn.

Tom Lewis over at SB Nation’s Indy Cornrows says the trade talks seem legit but they raise some questions.

Wells doesn’t throw this type of stuff out for giggles, so he’s surely secure in his sourcing that the Pacers continue scouring the league for a deal to land a young, viable point guard.

Of course, this raises some questions. Where was Flynn on the Pacers’ priority list for point guards? Does this mean a deal for Darren Collison ain’t happening? How about Ty Lawson? I’m thinking Flynn would rate above Lawson and while I really prefer Collison, the Hornets are likely demanding a steeper price. Obviously, so is Minny at this point, which begs the ultimate question.

How much are the Pacers willing to give up to bring in a point guard?

There’s plenty of trade reaction from the Timberwolves side over at SB Nation’s Canis Hoopus. For the Pacers side, hit SB Nation’s Indy Cornrows.

David Kahn Has Tough Words For Derrick Favors

In an usually bold statement, Minnesota General Manager David Kahn questioned the conditioning of potential top five draft pick Derrick Favors, who worked out for the Timberwolves, according to 1500ESPN.com.

“He isn’t in shape,” Minnesota Timberwolves general manager David Kahn said after Favors’ workout at Target Center. “You could see that right off the bat.”

Coach Kurt Rambis, owner Glen Taylor and other notables also were on hand as the 18-year-old power forward drilled on the arena’s main floor — gassing easily and fighting his jumper but impressing with his length, leaping and ability to run the floor at 6-10 and 248 pounds.

Kahn went on to take a swipe at Favors’s NBA readiness, calling him “raw” and “undeveloped.”

“Liked him, as we thought we would,” Kahn said. “He’s quite a specimen when he’s 18 years old. … You have to be patient for him because he’s so raw and still so undeveloped. But I think he has the opportunity to be a very fine player in this league.”

Wolves Talking Trade With Warriors?

In a rumor that has been swirling around for a couple of weeks, the Wolves and Golden State Warriors have been discussing a deal.  The core of the deal would see the Wolves sending the No. 4 pick in the 2010 draft and either Kevin Love or Al Jefferson to the Warriors in exchange for small forward Anthony Randolph.

Randolph is a small forward that stands 6-foot-10 and weighs about 210 pounds.  He averaged 11.3 points and 6.5 rebounds a game in 33 games for the Warriors last season.

For a couple of fairly robust discussions about this subject, you can check out both Golden State of Mind for the Warrior fans' viewpoint and Canis Hoopus for the perspective of Wolves fans.

Report: Kahn Entices Cousins's Agent With Talk Of Possible Roster Change

The buzz this past week has been that the Timberwolves are settling into the idea of selecting Syracuse forward Wesley Johnson with the No. 4 pick in this year's draft. Jerry Zgoda of StarTribune.com says not so fast.  

Zgoda writes that Minnesota Timberwolves General Manager David Kahn has informed the agent for highly-touted power forward prospect DeMarcus Cousins that the Timberwolves roster might change in an attempt to entice Cousins to work out for the team. Cousins' agent was concerned because the team already has multiple quality power forwards on its roster.

That doesn't guarantee Cousins will change his mind, but Kahn said Cousins' agent has been made aware the team's roster might not look the same next Thursday night as it does today. Kahn said the agent has been "counting bodies" on a team that now includes Al Jefferson, Kevin Love and could include Darko Milicic and Nikola Pekovic once the free agency period commences in July.

Kahn called the team's situation "fluid."

Translated that means expect either Jefferson or Love to be traded in the coming days, the fourth of five "windows of opportunity" to remake the team in a 17-month period as Kahn called them when he was hired in May 2009.

Meanwhile, SB Nation's CanisHoopus tweeted a link to a 2009 article that shows a strong tie between Cousins and Timberwolves assistant coach Reggie Theus.

Zgoda does still believe that the Timberwolves will tap Johnson with the fourth pick in this year's draft.  But, as we all know, everything can change after one workout.