5 reasons the Timberwolves should trade for Kyrie Irving
By Jaime Tyler
Number 1: Irving helps the Wolves build for the future more than Wiggins
Contrary to popular belief, Irving helps Minnesota more than Wiggins does both now and in the future.
Let’s imagine the worst-case scenario, shall we? That should be light work, we are Timberwolves’ fans, after all.
The Wolves trade Wiggins and some combination of players to the Cavs for Irving. Irving, Butler, and Towns do well in Minnesota but both Irving and Butler bolt after two years, leaving the big KAT to fend for himself.
However, this is the new NBA. An NBA where stars align with other stars in situations that work well for them, their brands, their legacies, and their pocketbooks.
Minnesota, as we learned from Irving’s demand, is now a place where stars can see themselves aligning.
That’s partly due to the presence of Towns. Players around the league can see that KAT is a once-in-generation talent. He’s only 21, and he’s going to be with the Timberwolves for the next seven seasons.
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Over the next two seasons, the new “Big Three” provide success on the court. Thibodeau further cements his reputation as a top-tier coach. He develops his legacy as a front office man willing to take risks. The Timberwolves’ fanbase re-energizes a revamped Target Center. And, players around the NBA take notice.
Players in Towns’ era, two years from now, will see all of that and want to play with KAT. They will also see that Towns, having just entered the first year of his max contract extension, will not be able to go anywhere, anytime soon.
Therefore, Thibodeau needs to bet on himself and his big man. Whatever happens when Irving and Butler’s player options kick in at the end of the 2019 season, he and Towns present the league with a dynamic duo whom players will want to play for and play with.
And, don’t look now, Wolves faithful, but when all of these veteran contracts expire in two, three, and four years; another young buck will hit the open market, looking for a place to build the super team of the future.
I don’t think I’m off-track with the notion that Thibs may be planning to take a run at Giannis Antetokounmpo in a few years time.
The Greek Freak is watching, and he must like the way Thibs is caring for his KAT.
Giannis is watching. pic.twitter.com/3oCkBAJyHN
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 24, 2017
Having one superstar is nice, but having two or three is how the league operates now. It’s how the Warriors are winning, the Cavs won, the Heat before that, and all the way down the line.
Again, this is the new NBA. And in the new NBA, there may not be a process, no matter how much people want to trust it.
This NBA is about getting stars. And, Tom Thibodeau showed this summer that is what he plans to do. He’s got one to build around for the next seven seasons.
Let’s hope he makes the right move this summer and adds another one in Irving.
Next: DWW Roundtable: On Kyrie Irving
Doing so will only bring the Wolves more good fortune in the future.