Timberwolves Offseason Moves

Pardon my recent absence from blogging, I've been very busy traveling/finding a new job.  However, that hasn't stopped me from following the NBA draft and off-season signings and trades.

The Wolves expect Budinger to mesh w/ Rubio and Love

The Minnesota Timberwolves have been relatively active the past few weeks, as they try and find some pieces to build around Kevin Love and Ricky Rubio.  First, the Wolves traded their first round pick in the 2012 draft for Chase Budinger, a SF from the Houston Rockets.  Considering the Timberwolves had the #16 pick in the draft, I felt that this was a decent deal for them.  The Rockets selected former University of Minnesota and Iowa State transfer Royce White with the #16th pick, so hopefully he doesn't pan out too well.  Budinger should be an improvement over Wesley Johnson, Martell Webster, or the recently departed Michael Beasley at the 3.

Second, the Wolves decided not to try and resign Michael Beasley, who departed for the Phoenix Suns to the tune of a three year $18 million dollar deal. Beasley's enigmatic play for the Wolves this year was surely as troubling as his off court woes.  In 2011-2012 Beasley averaged 11.5 ppg, but only 1.0 apg and 4.4 rpg.  These numbers are pretty troubling, as for the price Beasley is going at he should be either scoring more or contributing in other facets of the game. Thus, it's probably for the best that the Timberwolves didn't try to resign him, as he isn't worth the price.

Finally, the Wolves have a deal on the table to sign Brandon Roy, fresh off of the same knee procedure Kobe Bryant had in Germany.  Although it will be interesting to see if his knees hold up, the Wolves have Roy inked to a two year $11 million dollar deal, which can be finalized on July 11th.  Considering the potential reward stemming from this deal, it could be a steal for the Timberwolves.  Only $5.5 million per year for a former all star still in his 20's?  For the price this is a decent deal for a team that's trying to contend.  If Roy can return to anywhere near the form he exhibited in 2008 and 2009, Minnesota could challenge for a playoff spot this year.