T-Wolves Draft and Free-Agency: Do They Need Both?

Should the Wolves go after Rudy Gay in free-agency?  There doesn't seem to be a better fit.  The only other player who would fill an immediate need (outside of the superstars whom surely will not suit up in a Wolves jersey) is Joe Johnson, and he will only leave Atlanta for a contender.  Gay will cost somewhere between 11M and 14M a year for four to five years.  This is a lot of money to tie up, but he may be an emerging star and is still very young (and the Wolves need a scoring three).  Regardless, the question is whether this is the best use of the Wolves resources.  Perhaps there is a better way.

The progression of Corey Brewer, and the recent play of Wayne Ellington, may create an opening for the Wolves to use the upcoming draft and trades to get better, instead of spending their salary cap space on a free agent (which will make it more difficult to sign our young guys to longer contracts when the time comes).  The play of the Bobcats and the Jazz also contribute to an argument that the Wolves should not be a player in free agency this year (both of the first round picks these two teams owe the Wolves are top-twelve protected but if the draft was today the Wolves would have their lottery pick, the 13th pick from Charlotte and the 20th pick from Utah).  Furthermore, they have some players who may be nice trade chips down the road.  So, instead of using their money on a free agent it could be argued the Wolves would be better off using the draft and trades to get better.

One perspective is this:

--Use their lottery pick to draft Wesley Johnson and start him at the three (with Gomes backing him up.

--Use the Charlotte pick to draft Solomon Alibi to add size and defense to the center position

--Use the Utah pick to draft a back-up big (Pittman, Sanders, Monroe, Cousins)

--Trade their first second round pick

--Trade one of their other second round picks

--Use their other second round pick to take a chance on a European player or a young player with upside

--Wait for Ricky Rubio and Nikola Pechovic

This would give the Wolves a line-up in 2010 of:

Point Guards: Flynn, Sessions

Wings: Brewer, Ellington, Johnson, Gomes

Big Men: Jefferson, Love, Alibi, Hollins, and one of the above (Pittman, Sanders, Monroe, Cousins)

If the Wolves wait it out through 2010 they would have this line-up in 2011:

Point Guards: Rubio, Flynn, Sessions

Wings: Brewer, Ellington, Johnson, Gomes

Big Men: Jefferson, Love, Alibi, Hollins, Pekovic and one of above (Pittman, Sanders, Monroe, Cousins)

The Wolves won't have their first-round pick in 2011 (Cassell/1st for Jaric...worst trade ever).

Yes, they will be young and it will take time to contend but they also would be flush with talent.  They also would have trade bait (Flynn, Pekovic, future picks) to bring in a couple good veteran role players or future picks.

2011 starting line-up: Rubio, Brewer, Johnson, Jefferson, Alibi.

This is a team that could run, shoot and play some defense, as well has having a down-low player for when the game slows down.  Rubio is an unbelievable passer.  Johnson is an unbelievable shooter (including the three ball).  Brewer can play the transition game and is a good defender.  Jefferson is the best low-post offensive player in the game.  Alibi is a defensive specialist who blocks shots (and his offensive game is getting better).

2011 second team: Sessions, Ellington, Gomes, Love, Hollins.

Not bad.

What do you think?  Are you still sold on spending on a free agent this year?  Or, do you have the patience to build a real contender?