Jefferson Trade 'A Waste,' Says One NBA Writer

Kelly Dwyer of Ball Don’t Lie isn’t blind to Al Jefferson’s faults, as he makes clear in this evaluation of the trade that sent him from Minnesota to Utah. And he believes the Timberwolves had to deal Jefferson. But Dwyer also believes that GM David Kahn goofed up with this trade:

Analysis? They’re a mess. They got Kosta Koufos in the deal, and he might be worth taking a look at, but they’ve completely wasted all the assets they’ve had come through Minnesota over the last few years. Al Jefferson and Kevin Love couldn’t play together, but this was the best deal possible? And this is when you make the deal? For a trade exception, and picks? Such a waste.

Here's What To Think About the Big Al Trade

Perhaps, like me, you were hoping that somebody could tell you what to think about the Al Jefferson trade. That person is Stop-n-Pop from SB Nation's Canis Hoopus, who says that this move makes sense - and actually gives some hints that David Kahn has a plan in place:

Kahn has his (gigantic) flaws.  He is all-in on a Spanish League teenager with no NBA experience.  He has a draft record of not selecting the BPA at every step of the way.  He appears to be too locked into a system of play rather than simply rolling with the punches and taking the BPA.  However, he's not an avocado.  He's not insane.  Every move he makes doesn't deserve a tsunami of #kaaahnnn tweets.  Sorry folks, he's walking a remarkably consistent and forward-looking route towards rebuilding.

For all your Wolves news, visit Canis Hoopus.

Deal Complete, Timberwolves Also Acquire Kosta Koufos

Al Jefferson has officially been traded after spending three seasons in Minnesota. Jefferson came to the Wolves from Boston as the main part of the Kevin Garnett deal.

In addition to the two first-round draft picks, the Wolves have also acquired Kosta Koufos from the Utah Jazz. According to Jerry Zgoda of the Star Tribune, team president David Kahn plans to flip him to a team that can offer more playing time.

The Wolves and Jazz have completed the trade that sends Al Jefferson there for two first-round picks, second-year center Kosta Koufos and that large player trade exception.

David Kahn just said here in Las Vegas that he has already talked to Koufos’ agent and will try to move Koufos on a team where he might play more than on a Wolves team that now has Kevin Love, Michael Beasley, Darko Milicic and soon Nikola Pekovic.

Report: Al Jefferson Traded For Two First-Round Draft Picks

Jon Krawczynski of the Associated Press tweets that, according to sources, the Minnesota Timberwolves have traded forward Al Jefferson to the Utah Jazz in exchange for two first-round draft picks and a trade exception.

AP Sources: #Jazz get big man Al Jefferson from #Timberwolves for 2 1st-round picks and trade exception from Boozer deal.

The Timberwolves had been in talks with the Dallas Mavericks and Cleveland Cavaliers according to earlier reports, but they were looking to move Jefferson without taking back salary, something they won’t do in this deal.

One of the two draft picks that the Wolves will receive is originally from the Memphis Grizzlies. More information on the second pick should be known soon.

Utah 'Close' To Acquiring Al Jefferson, Dallas Out

With Utah owner Greg Miller tweeting that he has approved a roster move, and reports that the Jazz are closing in on a deal, Marc Spears of Yahoo! Sports tweets that a deal between the Wolves and Jazz is close, and the Dallas Mavericks appear to be out of the discussion.

The Jazz are “close” to acquiring Al Jefferson from Wolves, a source told Yahoo! Sports. Another source said Mavs not in the running.

Information is beginning to leak, and it sounds as if the Wolves will receive a trade exception and a first-round draft pick previously owned by the Memphis Grizzlies. Whether or not the Wolves will receive any players or additional assets still isn’t clear.

Al Jefferson On The Move Tomorrow?

After reporting that the Utah Jazz had taken the lead in the Al Jefferson race, ESPN’s Marc Stein wrote in a story that a deal could come together quickly with the Timberwolves potentially not wanting players in return.

Sources told ESPN.com that the Jazz and Timberwolves are engaged in serious discussions on a deal that would slot Jefferson’s contract into the $14 million trade exception that Utah created earlier this week in its sign-and-trade deal with Chicago for Carlos Boozer.

It was not immediately known what Minnesota would receive in return, but Utah can complete such a deal without sending back any players to the Wolves. Sources with knowledge of Minnesota’s thinking said Monday that the Wolves’ main aim in shopping Jefferson in recent weeks has been securing multiple future first-round picks and taking back as little salary if possible.

Soon after, the CEO of the Utah Jazz, Greg Miller, tweeted about a deal that he has approved.

I just approved a Jazz roster move that I’m very excited about. Planning to share details tomorrow.

Whether or not Miller is hinting at a trade involving Jefferson is unclear.

Report: Utah Jazz Take Lead In Al Jefferson Sweepstakes

The race to acquire forward Al Jefferson may be moving closer to a finish. ESPNDallas.com has reported that the Minnesota Timberwolves and Dallas Mavericks exchanged proposals throughout the weekend and moved closer to the possibility of a trade.

The Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves continue to exchange proposals on an Al Jefferson trade and moved closer to a deal over the weekend, according to sources with knowledge of the talks.

But the sides still don’t have a done deal, sources said, despite the fact that Dallas has somewhat eased its stance on the inclusion of Erick Dampier’s lucrative non-guaranteed contract in a trade for Jefferson.

While the Mavericks have softened their stance on Erick Dampier, they have not eased up on their demand of both DeShawn Stevenson and Matt Carroll being included in a deal to help lessen the load of Jefferson and his remaining 3-year, $42 million contract.

Now, according to ESPN’s Marc Stein, the Utah Jazz have jumped into the picture and have apparently taken the lead after losing forward Carlos Boozer in free agency.

Just filed to ESPN.com: Sources say UTA has quickly moved into lead in race to acquire Al Jefferson from MIN and working now to seal deal

The key in a deal with Utah is the lack of big contracts coming back to Minnesota. In losing Boozer via a sign-and-trade, the Jazz acquired a trade exception that could keep them from sending unwanted contracts out in a potential deal as Dallas is currently looking to do.

Trade exception created by Boozer sign-and-trade can let UTA absorb Jefferson contract w/out sending out salary and seal deal w/draft picks

A timetable for a completed deal is unknown, but Al Jefferson’s days in Minnesota certainly appear to be numbered.

Reports: Wolves' Asking Price Remains High

When Timberwolves’ President David Kahn first acknowledged that the team will listen to offers for forward Al Jefferson, he said he wouldn’t simply give the last piece remaining from the Kevin Garnett trade away. Apparently he wasn’t lying.

Brian Windhorst of the Cleveland Plain Dealer tweets today that while the Cleveland Cavaliers are having talks with the Wolves, they remain preliminary because Kahn is looking for more than just a salary dump.

#Cavs have had talks with the Wolves about Al Jefferson. Not serious at moment. Wolves want assets in return not just salary dump.

Marc Stein of ESPN followed up Windhorst with an update on the talks between the Timberwolves and Dallas Mavericks sharing a similar sentiment.

Mavs’ Jefferson talks have been more frequent but Wolves want draft picks WITH Dampier’s cap-friendly contract. Mavs offering neither.

With many of the top forwards off the board in the free agent market, the interest in Jefferson is picking up. The Timberwolves however seem to be content with taking their time until the price is right.

Report: Al Jefferson Being Shopped To Dallas?

After the Minnesota Timberwolves traded for forward Michael Beasley and signed big men Nikola Pekovic and Darko Milicic, the writing on the wall for power forward Al Jefferson has transformed into graffiti. He’s headed out of Minnesota, one way or another.

Marc Stein of ESPN.com reports that one possible landing spot for Jefferson is the Dallas Mavericks.

Dallas, meanwhile, is determined not to ship out Dampier’s fully unguaranteed $13 million contract just to take back someone else’s long-term deal.

The Mavs are telling teams that they have to furnish a clear roster upgrade if they want the ability to acquire Dampier, cut him instantly and wipe $13 million off the books.

Sources say Minnesota has been urging Dallas to part with Dampier’s contract and draft considerations in exchange for Al Jefferson, who has three years left on his contract at $42 million. The Mavericks keep telling the Wolves that they won’t surrender Dampier’s contract in a Jefferson deal because they have it earmarked for a Gasol-type trade, such as a theoretical sign-and-trade arrangement for [LeBron] James or as the centerpiece of Dallas’ longstanding pursuit of [Chris] Paul.

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

Interest In Al Jefferson Picking Up

With the key forwards off the board in free agency, the interest in Timberwolves’ forward Al Jefferson is picking up. According to David Aldridge of NBA.com, the Dallas Mavericks continue to talk with the Wolves.

The Dallas Mavericks are continuing their pursuit of Minnesota Timberwolves forward Al Jefferson, according to sources, but talks between the teams have stalled due to Dallas’ insistence that the Wolves take on contracts other than that of center Erick Dampier.

On Friday night the Cleveland Cavaliers were close to a sign-and-trade deal with the Miami Heat to allow LeBron James more money and give the Cavs more assets for the future. Aldridge tweeted that they have too entered the Jefferson mix.

Cavs just got in the Al Jefferson sweepstakes. RT @PDcavsinsider Cavs getting trade exception of up to $16M in s/t for LeBron, plus picks..

Wolves’ President David Kahn has been in no hurry to move Jefferson this summer, but with many big names off the market and several teams still looking to fill voids, he could soon become a hot commodity.

After Rumors, Jefferson Requests A Trade

In the days leading up to the NBA Draft, Timberwolves’ forward Al Jefferson was connected in several trade rumors. While the team didn’t move him, team President David Kahn acknowledged later that he was now at least exploring the idea.

With the start of free agency, Eric Pincus of HoopsWorld writes that Jefferson has requested a trade.

Al Jefferson of the Minnesota Timberwolves has requested a trade from the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Wolves tried to move Al leading up to the NBA Draft. Two teams that have shown serious interest include the Denver Nuggets and Chicago Bulls.

Kahn: Wolves Will Explore Jefferson Trade

After denying various rumors throughout the week, Timberwolves President David Kahn told the media after intorducing the newest member of the organization, that he has talked with forward Al Jefferson about a potential trade. Phil Miller of the Star Tribune writes that the team will look for opportunities to move the key piece that came to Minnesota in the Kevin Garnett deal:

“It’s the right time, finally, for us to explore this,” Kahn said after introducing draft picks Wesley Johnson, Lazar Hayward and Nemanja Bjelica. “Kurt [Rambis, the Wolves coach] and I needed to watch the team play a year. It would have been a terrible mistake to make decisions without really understanding what we had.”

Kahn said he met with the 6-10 forward and explained his intentions, and that Jefferson understood.

“We will not trade Al unless it’s the right deal for us,” Kahn said. “And Al Jefferson not only could be on this team next season, he could be on the team for the next three seasons.”

The Timberwolves obviously won’t give him away, but if they can add another piece to the puzzle, a deal might make sense with Jefferson’s remaining three years and the team’s current state.

Kahn: Wolves Didn't Come Close To Trading Jefferson

If the Timberwolves were "determined" to trade forward Al Jefferson, they weren’t determined enough. With the draft having come and gone, Jefferson is still a member of the team, and according to a tweet from Darren Wolfson, nothing was close:

Kahn on if he was close to trading Big Al: “No, not this week.”

That comment seems to hint that something still has a good chance to happen before the Wolves begin the regular season this fall. It didn’t happen "this week," but Kahn seems to leave the possibility open for the coming months.

Kahn: Wolves Have Made Calls Regarding Jefferson

In addition to talking about who the Timberwolves would like to select with the No. 4 pick in tonight’s NBA Draft, Timberwolves President David Kahn hinted to Dan Patrick this morning that the Wolves have made calls about forward Al Jefferson:

Kahn said that he is also talking about some of the players on his current roster. “Up until this trade period, we’ve never discussed Kevin [Love] or Al [Jefferson],” Kahn said. “Certainly this is the first time with Al we’ve made some of those calls.”

While Jefferson is apparently available, the Timberwolves aren’t in any hurry to move him and want to make sure they get the best return possible:

But Kahn said Jefferson is as good a back-to-the-basket player as there is in the NBA and the T’Wolves won’t give them away. “We’re not going to trade Al Jefferson just for the sake of trading Al Jefferson.”

Confirmed: Al Jefferson On The Block, But Not Going To Grizzlies

Andy Katz of ESPN.com confirms Chad Ford’s earlier report that the Minnesota Timberwolves will not trade forward Al Jefferson to the Memphis Grizzlies for Zach Randolph.

One deal that multiple sources said won’t happen is shipping Al Jefferson to Memphis for Zach Randolph. Jefferson is on the trade block, but his camp has been assured that he wouldn’t go to Memphis. Jefferson’s camp, according to sources, is hoping he lands with a playoff team or one that is getting closer.

Kahn Refutes Jefferson Trade Reports

While several trade scenarios involving Timberwolves’ forward Al Jefferson emerged today, team President David Kahn refuted the reports in a text to the Pioneer Press.

“Memphis asked us about Zach and we said no,” Kahn said this afternoon in a text message to the St. Paul Pioneer Press. “And I have not spoken with Detroit.”

If the Wolves are indeed shopping Jefferson around the league, they wouldn't announce it anyways. Nonetheless, Kahn has actively been shooting down trade rumors in the past few days 

Report: Timberwolves Offering Jefferson to Detroit

The Timberwolves seem to be looking at all of their options as they attempt to trade Al Jefferson before tomorrow’s draft. While talks with the Memphis Grizzlies have apparently halted, Draft Express tweets that the Wolves have an offer on the table for the Detroit Pistons:

Apparently Minnesota is offering 16+23+Al Jefferson to Detroit for 7+Tayshaun Prince+Chris Wilcox. Not sure Detroit goes for that…

Al Jefferson Won't Be Going To Memphis

Even though the Wolves appear to still plan on dealing Al Jefferson, it seems it won’t be to the Memphis Grizzlies.

Chad ford tweets the story:

Jefferson for Randolph talks appear dead. Memphis is unwilling to part with their picks as part of a deal. Minn thinks they can do better

Will they be able to make a move by Thursday night?

Timberwolves Trying To Trade Al Jefferson

The trade rumors that surfaced Tuesday between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Memphis Grizzlies focused on mid-to-late first round picks, though nothing has come of those talks. Yet.

The hold up, as per ESPN's Chad Ford, is that the Wolves are now trying to swap franchise big man Al Jefferson for the Grizzlies Zach Randolph - a player that enjoyed a resurgence in Memphis this past season.

However, the latest thing I'm hearing out of Minnesota may have the most legs. Sources have told me that the Wolves and Grizzlies have been discussing a swap that would send Jefferson to the Grizzlies for Zach Randolph. The deal would allow the Wolves to save a lot of money over time. Randolph has one year, $17.6 million left on his contract. Jefferson has three years, $42 million left.

The money-saving thing aside, I'm not sure what this would mean for the Wolves as Randolph is shorter than Jefferson and wouldn't be any better suited to play alongside Kevin Love than Jefferson.

Unless, of course, moving up for a center in the lottery is part of the plan.

While sources stressed that the two sides were still just discussing the deal, one source sounded optimistic that it could actually happen. There's also a possibility that picks could be involved. The Wolves have been trying to swap the 16th pick for the Grizzlies 12th pick.

Even if the proposed Grizzlies trade doesn't happen, the Wolves seem determined to deal Big Al.

However, the most consistent thing I'm hearing is that the team appears to be determined to move Al Jefferson. According to sources they've offered him to Detroit for Tayshaun Prince this week and have also contacted the Pacers about their interest in Jefferson for Troy Murphy's expiring contract.

2010 NBA Draft: Chad Ford Confirms Minnesota/Memphis Deal Not Done

Earlier, Alex Halsted noted that the rumored draft pick swap between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Memphis Grizzlies was not completed. ESPN’s Chad Ford confirmed the report Tuesday night.

Talk of the Wolves trading the 16th pick may be premature. While the Grizzlies and Wolves have spoken, sources say there’s no deal yet. The Wolves continue to talk to teams as high as 5. Especially with it looking more and more like they’re getting Favors at 4, they’d love to add another athletic wing to the mix.

 

For all things Timberwolves, head over to SB Nation's Canis Hoopus.  For the Memphis side, check out SB Nation's Straight Outta Vancover.

Draft Express: Trade 'Not Done'

While Andy Katz reports that the Timberwolves and Grizzlies “are close” to a draft-pick swap, Draft Express tweets that the deal is not yet completed, and remains in the discussion stages:

The reported trade between Memphis and Minnesota (25+28 for 16) is a “possibility”, but is “not done.” Its “just discussions at this point”.

For fan reaction on this trade proposal, check out SB Nation’s Canis Hoopus.

Report: Wolves, Grizzlies Close To Swapping First-Round Draft Picks

ESPN reports that the Timberwolves and Grizzlies "are close" to reaching a draft-pick swap. Minnesota would send the 16th pick, acquired from Charlotte via Denver on draft night last year, to Memphis in exchange for the 25th and 28th picks.

ESPN's initial report is inaccurate, however, as it has the picks backwards. Memphis-based insider Chris Vernon pointed that fact out via Twitter shortly after the initial ESPN report appeared.