No front office in the NBA is going to get every move right. Whether it’s a draft pick that doesn’t pan out, a trade that doesn’t go as hoped, or a failed free agent signing, no team is going to bat 1.000 with their transactions.
It’s always good to know, though, when the person most responsible for roster moves is willing to take chances if it gives his team a better chance at a higher ceiling. Very few, if any, do so more than Timberwolves president of basketball operations Tim Connelly.
The latest example of Connelly going for it is trading for LaMelo Ball, Marc Stein was asked what others in the basketball world think about Connelly.
“They’re saying Tim Connelly is a gunslinger.” Stein said. “The Gobert trade…we’re still talking about to this day, how many picks he threw at that. That forced them to trade KAT because of Gobert’s contract, and now KAT is a champion. Also, Connelly only has 1 year left on his deal, I think the Wolves want to extend him. That was certainly the talk all spring.”
The term gunslinger could be seen as a slight. However, Connelly has proven he is willing to do what it takes to upgrade the roster around his superstar, and that's a major positive.
Connelly certainly isn’t afraid to make major moves
Gunslinger is certainly the perfect word to describe Connelly during his time with the Timberwolves. Minneapolis has never exactly been a hotbed for free agents to join, so he’s had to be creative in coming up with ways to help the team.
Stein mentioned two of the blockbuster trades that Connelly has made. When the Gobert trade was first announced, it was seen almost universally as an overpay. Instead, the team forged a defensive identity, and the franchise has reached heights never seen before with Rudy manning the middle.
The Towns trade certainly isn’t seen as a win anymore after the center helped guide the New York Knicks to a title. Connelly hasn’t let that deter him, though, as he traded the centerpiece received back in that deal (Julius Randle) in order to create financial room to fill a need for a lead guard, and that need was filled with the electric Ball.
Sure, a fan-favorite in Naz Reid had to be dealt away, but it needed to be done to get Anthony Edwards the most talented teammate of his career.
Connelly has also traded for Nickeil Alexander-Walker along with Mike Conley (hit), Rob Dillingham (miss), and Ayo Dosunmu (hit). He has done a lot of wheeling and dealing despite only being part of the club for about four years.
Many aren’t too keen on the idea of bringing Ball onto the team. I believe they had to do something, though, to solve the point guard issue, and I like the changes Ball made to his game (not as many bad shots), as the Charlotte Hornets became a more talented club.
When you have a star like Edwards, you need to take risks in order to maximize the chances of winning a title with him. It's a heck of a lot better than standing pat.
Connelly will never rest on his laurels, and it’s somewhat surprising that Minnesota hasn’t extended him yet.
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