As we now know the Minnesota Timberwolves will be selecting second overall in the 2011 NBA Draft.
ESPN’s Chad Ford hears from sources that David Kahn and the Timberwolves are open to moving the pick.
“I’m already hearing form sources that Minnesota has told people they’re very open to moving the second pick. Kahn really wants to add some veteran help to the team.”
Veterans were one of many missing facets of the 2010-11 Minnesota Timberwolves.
While it is still very early, Ford—who is a main source in covering all things NBA draft related—is just hours after the conclusion of the lottery bringing forth rumors and speculation that will be discussed by the masses over the upcoming weeks.
While Arizona forward Derrick Williams would be the likely selection if in fact the Wolves plan on keeping the pick, neither him nor projected number one pick Kyrie Irving carry that all-star caliber upside.
Moving the pick may be in the best interest for the Timberwolves now, and for the future.
With the 2011-12 NBA season being up in the air with the lack of an agreement being reached between the players and the owners, there is no saying that next season will start on time, if at all.
With the projected salary cap to drop in the conclusion of a new collective bargaining agreement, teams like the Timberwolves– who are below the predicted salary cap– will have the option to trade for veteran talent at 70 cents on the dollar.
Minneapolis Star-Tribune Timberwolves beat writer Jerry Zgoda discusses the options that the Timberwolves will have between now and the draft.
“They now have options and a pick to dangle if they want to make a deal for a veteran(s) and/or perhaps a pick later in the lottery”
Rumors will swirl surrounding this pick and the options that the Timberwolves have with the number two selection. And lets not forget about a certain Spanish point guard that has been rumored to be set on coming over to Minnesota for the 2011-12 NBA season.
When a team wins only 17 games anyone and everyone could be on the move. The Timberwolves look like they’ll be big players in the upcoming NBA off-season.
-Brett Cloutier
Brett is a contributor to The Sports Bank as beat writer for the Minnesota Timberwolves. You can follow him on twitter @brettcloutier