Owner Real Deal Posted June 17, 2011 Owner Report Share Posted June 17, 2011 The topic of Pau Gasol and the Minnesota Timberwolves was discussed last week (Pincus: Multiple Rumors Out of LA) based on the word of ESPN's Chad Ford that the Wolves had interest in the Los Angeles Laker All-Star forward/center. Further research revealed that the Wolves do indeed have interest in Gasol, notably because of his relationship with guard Ricky Rubio. Rubio is expected to announce on Friday that he'll be joining the Wolves next season.Laker General Manager Mitch Kupchak recently told Dave McMenamin of ESPN Los Angeles, "We'd like to have a top-five pick in the draft, because there are good players out there."For the Lakers to give up their All-Star forward they may want an All-Star forward in return. Love is a force on the boards and while he doesn't necessarily have the same level of polished, post-game as Gasol, Kevin brings a three-point shot and may be a better fit alongside Bynum. Kevin is just 22-years old and to-date, he hasn't seemed particularly happy in Minnesota. When it was announced that Rubio was joining the game, Love tweeted, "Ricky Rubio huh? I'll believe it when I see it..." Love battled with Coach Kurt Rambis this past year and while Rambis may not be long for Minnesota, can the Wolves create a long-term situation for Kevin, who is going into the last year of his contract? The new CBA may make it easier for the Wolves to retain Love but he's set to be a restricted agent following next season.http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=20154 Two things: first off, are the Wolves more interested in Gasol than Love? It makes me wonder how intrigued they are with Enes Kanter, too. Would Minny be content with a five of Kanter, Gasol, Beasley, Johnson and Rubio? Also...do the Lakers want to take back Ridnour and Milicic's contracts? Obviously, Minnesota would want to throw them out the door in this scenario, and in the past, Jerry Buss (who has basically handed the team to his son, Jim) has cut down deals for players like Kirk Hinrich, who he didn't want to pay twice as much for (luxury tax). Pretty interesting. Gasol for Love is a no-brainer for me, though...don't really care what else that includes from Minny. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChosenOne Posted June 17, 2011 Report Share Posted June 17, 2011 Imo that would be a completely dumbass trade for Minny. Love might not be as good as Gasol right now but his up side is real high. LA should do it without question if given the chance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Owner Real Deal Posted June 17, 2011 Author Owner Report Share Posted June 17, 2011 Imo that would be a completely dumbass trade for Minny. Love might not be as good as Gasol right now but his up side is real high. LA should do it without question if given the chance.I agree. I just don't see the obsession with Rubio. It almost sounds like Kahn wants to do anything and everything to make him happy, and bringing Gasol on board makes a lot of sense (in that case), and tossing Love aside would make even more sense, especially if he's already mouthing off about Rubio on Twitter, feuding with Rambis, and will be a free agent after this upcoming season. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dash Posted June 17, 2011 Report Share Posted June 17, 2011 (edited) I don't see why Minnesota would do that, you don't trade away a 22 year old All-Star who was just setting records this past season. Edited June 17, 2011 by Dash Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dash Posted June 17, 2011 Report Share Posted June 17, 2011 (edited) I agree. I just don't see the obsession with Rubio. It almost sounds like Kahn wants to do anything and everything to make him happy, and bringing Gasol on board makes a lot of sense (in that case), and tossing Love aside would make even more sense, especially if he's already mouthing off about Rubio on Twitter, feuding with Rambis, and will be a free agent after this upcoming season. Small jab but I wouldn't make too much of it, feud with Rambis was like last year unless they're at it again, and I doubt Love doesn't accept the extension especially with the new CBA. Anyways I think the Wolves are hoping for a #2 pick (not sure how the Love rumor started) for Pau deal, which I really doubt the Lakers would even take. Edited June 17, 2011 by Dash Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Owner Real Deal Posted June 20, 2011 Author Owner Report Share Posted June 20, 2011 This has legs to it, now more than ever. More sources are confirming it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Owner Real Deal Posted June 21, 2011 Author Owner Report Share Posted June 21, 2011 Word is that Orlando wants a top two pick in the draft, which is starting to open my eyes to all of the "LA wants #2" rumors. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
misterx Posted June 21, 2011 Report Share Posted June 21, 2011 well he kinda resembles a wolf afterall Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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