Dear Kevin McHale...Free Kevin Garnett!

Dear Kevin McHale,

Kobe Bryant has been making almost daily headlines in recent weeks by demanding a trade from the Los Angeles Lakers—but I'm assuming the future of the league's reigning prima donna doesn't concern you much.

After all, you're racking your brain trying to figure out how to solve your own superstar problem.

You've also said publicly that you're simply listening to offers and have no plans to trade KG.

As Minnesota's Vice President of Basketball Operations, I'm sure you feel competent enough to make this all-important decision. However, I'm a little skeptical.  

I mean, don't get me wrong Mr. McHale—as a player, you were an all-time great; a Hall-of-Famer and a legend. As the front office point-man of an NBA franchise...not so much. 

You've mismanaged the Wolves from Day One. You've failed to surround one of the great players of the past ten years with anything even resembling talent—and on top of that you made some ridiculously illegal secret deal with Joe Smith that cost the franchise five years of first-round draft picks. 

I'd imagine you're still kicking yourself for that one. Five first-round draft picks...for FREAKIN JOE SMITH!

How you've kept your job is one of the great mysteries in sports. Something tells me you get together once a year with Detroit Lions GM Matt Millen, throw back a few cocktails, and laugh about how outrageously long you two have managed to stay employed.        

But don't worry, Mr. McHale—your history of utter ineptitude is why I'm here to assist you with this decision:

You must trade Kevin Garnett. 

See? It's simple. I can't say it any more clearly. KG is a year away from being able to opt out of his contract—and you're a year away from getting nothing in return for him.

The only way you could convince Garnett to stay would be to assemble a championship contender. I don't think any NBA GM could pull off that miracle. And with you captaining the ship, the odds are even less likely. 

The fact of the matter is that the Western Conference is stacked. Unless your team plays in San Antonio, Phoenix, or Dallas, you're not even getting a whiff of the NBA Finals. However, if you were to trade KG for a good young player or two—and maybe a draft pick—you could build for the future with the reasonable expectation of success down the road.

Or...you can stay the course. 

Keep Garnett and rationalize your decision by telling anyone who'll listen that you need his superstar drawing power to put asses in the seats. Then, once he opts out and heads for greener pastures, you can start the rebuilding process with fewer pieces than you might have had. And you can explain to the good people of Minnesota that their team is not only without their beloved superstar—they're also years away from challenging for a playoff spot.

As the Black Sheep once said, the choice is yours, Mr. McHale...which is why Minnesota Timberwolves fans should be concerned. 

Have a nice summer,

Dave

P.S. I know KG already put the kibosh on the proposed Celtics trade—but that's why they pay you the big bucks. Make it happen!

 

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