The NBA trade rumors surrounding the Minnesota Timberwolves to this point in the season have primarily focused on trading away either Michael Beasley or Luke Ridnour, the team's other point guard. With the Ricky Rubio injury, however, David Kahn and the rest of the front office might need to make a move to shore up the lead guard role.
Ridnour has played better than expected this season and J.J. Barea can be outstanding when healthy, but that has been extremely hit-and-miss this season. Kahn isn't ready to say the Wolves need to trade for a point guard, however, according to comments he made to the Pioneer Press.
"We're not the first team to have a star player incur an injury," Kahn said. "We have a lot of season to play. I'm very optimistic of the competitiveness of this team that has been shown on a nightly basis. This team has a great upside in the years to come."
Kahn indicated, however, that he will continue talking with teams about possible moves leading up to Thursday's trade deadline.
"If we see something out there that makes us better without jeopardizing the long-term future of the franchise, we'll do it," Kahn said. "We don't want to make this seem like it's an all-or-nothing opportunity for Malcolm. We haven't seen enough of him. I'm confident we'll do what's appropriate for the team."
Malcolm Lee probably isn't the answer as a backup point guard, at least based on what this author saw during his stints in the NBA D-League, but Ridnour and Barea would be just fine if the latter stays healthy.
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