Minnesota Timberwolves and 5 NBA Teams That Failed with Contract Extensions
The Minnesota Timberwolves signed power forward Kevin Love to a team-friendly contract yesterday before the deadline to give him an extension under the "designated player" rules in the newly passed CBA.
Sure, the Wolves signed their superstar, but they botched this process from the beginning.
They weren't the only ones that didn't have success at the negotiating table, though.
Here's a look at the teams that failed at contract extensions.
Minnesota Timberwolves
1 of 5The Timberwolves win in the short-term for the mere fact that they signed Kevin Love to an extension and did so without including a fifth year.
But they included an opt-out clause after the third season?
Do they feel there is any chance that Love will be in a Timberwolves uniform four years from now?
No chance.
This was a no-brainer, and they should have given him the fifth year a long time ago.
New Orleans Hornets
2 of 5Eric Gordon was hoping to get an extension from the Hornets, but that was up to David Stern, and it didn't happen.
Whatever money Stern approved for a Gordon extension either wasn't enough or Gordon thinks he's better than it is.
The Hornets need to keep this guy in town.
Sure, he's only been healthy enough to play two games, but he's proven his talent around the league already.
They didn't have to give him a max deal, but an extension was probably something they should have done with Gordon.
A year from now, will they have anything left to show for the Chris Paul trade other than a draft pick?
It's doubtful.
Indiana Pacers
3 of 5Roy Hibbert is on his way to becoming one of the better big men in the NBA, and the Pacers need to keep him in Indiana.
While Hibbert wasn't likely to sign an extension of any kind, the Pacers need to do what it takes to keep him in Indiana. Even as a restricted free agent, Hibbert is set to cash in.
George Hill is another story altogether.
It's kind of shocking that the Pacers didn't come to an extension with either player, but Hill in particular.
The Pacers now face the risk of having Hill be a one-year rental after they gave up the No. 15 pick in last summer’s draft to get him.
This summer could be an interesting one in Indiana.
Washington Wizards
4 of 5The Wizards are awful.
They could use some good press and could have gotten that by giving JaVale McGee an extension.
McGee is averaging career highs of 11.2 points, 9.0 rebounds and 2.9 blocked shots in his fourth year in Washington.
They didn't give Nick Young an extension in the offseason, so it was unlikely they would offer an extension to McGee.
Sure, they offered Andray Blatche a bad contract a couple of years ago, and they don't want to make another mistake, but there are only a few seven-foot big men in the game that can dominate the defensive end and control the glass.
McGee is another guy that should cash in as a restricted free agent. Washington could have prevented that.
Orlando Magic
5 of 5The Magic didn't offer Ryan Anderson a contract extension and probably should have done so.
Anderson is enjoying the most successful season of his career, ranking second on the team in scoring (16.4 points per game) and in rebounding (6.8 rebounds per game).
You don't offer max deals to guys in the midst of a career season, but Anderson likely should have been given an extension from the organization.
They can still match any offer to Anderson next season, but if he continues to produce at this rate, someone is likely to overpay for his services.
