Kahn working on a deal

According to Darren Wolfson, the Wolves have stopped their pursuit of Willie Green a 3-point specialist who last played for Atlanta. Willie Green’s camp was informed that the Wolves front office has bigger and better plans, which he does not fit into. Green, a 44% 3-point shooter last year is by no means a terrible outside shooter. After passing on Green, here are a few probable targets.

Brandon Rush (SG/SF, RFA): A pretty solid scorer who shot 45% from three point range last season ,making nearly 100 of his attempts. He was on pace for 803 points in an 82 game season, and frankly the guy can score. Rush averaged approximately .9 steals per game last season and he is an improving player. Rush ought to be on the top of Minnesota’s list, and fans would certainly be intrigued by his offensive minded game.  His PER 36 is solid at 13.3 ppg and Rush is athletic enough to catch the highlight reel Alley’s. Although Kahn did speak with his agent, it is not clear as to what was discussed or if any contract terms were brought up.

Dominic McGuire (SF/PF, UFA): A defensive-minded guy who has had mixed results, McGuire is a mediocre scorer who plays nothing more than your typical NBA “defense”. Best current player comparison is to a poor man’s Kenyon Martin; he can’t score or defend at K-Mart’s level, but any upgrade on the defensive side of the ball is an immediate improvement for the Wolves. The team was 10th on offense last year but fell to 25th in overall defense by the end of the season, a drastic fall from 15th at the All-Star Break. Would be a good addition, but nothing to write home about.

Andre Iguodala (SG/SF, currently playing for the 76ers): Ever since a report came out about the Wolves possibly being offered Andre and his terrible contract for Martell Webster and pieces, Wolves fans have been wondering why the trigger wasn’t pulled. Iggy’s contract is crazy-expensive and the Sixers do have some buyer’s remorse for that (similar to the remorse Denver had to signing Nenê. It is worth it to mention that if Kahn could have done it for Martell, he probably would have. But that contract is just obscenely large ($15 million per year). With the Wolves officially signing Alexey Shved and Greg Steimsma, completing the trade for Dante Cunningham, and set to announce the deal with Brandon Roy on Tuesday, there doesn’t seem to be any room for Iguodala’s contract. Iggy is playing with Love at the Olympics right now and I’m sure that if their friendship is any indication and Iggy opts out of his contract next season (which is possible), Love could rally Iggy to join him in Minnesota. But until then, the only real way to acquire Iguodala is by giving up what many would deem too many assets and contracts.

Andrei Kirilenko (SF/PF, currently playing for CSKA Moscow):  A very reliable defender and having his best season yet in Moscow, Kirilenko could be lured here by both the money and recent acquisition of Alexey Shved. I’m sure Mr. Gets a Free Pass from his Hot Russian Pop Star Wife could be had for a decent price.

Ronnie Brewer (SG/SF, UFA): Was supposed to be Minnesota-bound as of a week ago but not a peep has been said since. He shot at around 43% (.427 rounded up) with his true shooting percentage right around 47% (.465 rounded up). His offensive performances are steadily declining, but he can rely on his defense and athleticism to compensate. He’s a guy who could very well benefit from a guy like Ricky Rubio or Alexey Shved passing him the ball and would certainly be an upgrade on the defensive side of the ball.

Trade Assets the Wolves Have:

• Jose Juan Barea: JJ has been a disappointment but there is hope for him here if he stays healthy. If JJ would stop and think about some of his passes or driving to the lane with a guy clearly in front of him, he is one of the better players on the team.
• Luke Ridnour: He’s been there through the worst and people want to root for Luke. He’s got an underdog mentality and took great strides this year. He’s consistent and likeable and a lot of people, despite not being as efficient as JJ, say he is a good locker room guy and keeps people motivated.
• Derrick Williams: Derrick Williams has been in virtually every trade discussion the Wolves have been in since February of this year. And after a rough Summer League against the NBA’s scraps he could be losing value and losing it quickly. He’s not squaring up on his shot properly, he’s looking confused on the court, and is turning the ball over at a disturbing rate. Look for the Wolves to trade him before his trade value is completely diminished.
• Wes Johnson: Despite coming off a mediocre season, he seems to be more liked by Adelman because for one, he was one of the better defenders on the team. If Adelman and Kahn actually managed to land Courtney Lee, Wes would have been gone. But in Summer League he looked good and hopefully his performances can boost his trade value.
• Memphis 2013 first-round pick (top-14 protected) via Houston Shane Battier trade, Jazz 2013 first-round pick (top-12 protected), and whatever pick they get this year depending on their performance.
• Malcolm Lee: Good defender, iffy on a few other things. Could be great with the right coaching. Will be stuck behind Rubio, Shved, Ridnour, Barea, etc…so don’t expect much besides a warm bench.