NBA Trade Rumors: Is Al Jefferson Being Traded for Zach Randolph & Draft Picks?

The latest trade rumor concerning Al Jefferson is that the Minnesota Timberwolves are exploring a possible deal that would send Jefferson to Memphis in exchange for Zachary Randolph and draft picks.

Jefferson is due $42 million dollars over the next three years, and Randolph is to be paid $17.6 million in the final year of his contract. The Grizzlies have three first round draft picks—numbers 12, 25 and 28. 

Jefferson was a solid performer last year after coming back from knee injury, and should be back to top form this year. 

While Randolph had a decent year, he is older than Jefferson, and the number of productive years for Randolph in the NBA is limited.  Additionally, Randolph had some recent troubling off court issues.

In May of this year, Randolph was under investigation for being a major marijuana supplier in Indianapolis, according to media reports.  Indianapolis television station WRTV reported that Randolph was named in a probable cause affidavit as a result of police finding marijuana and ammunition in a Cadillac Escalade registered to Randolph, but driven by another man, Arthur Boyd.

Randolph subsequently released a statement indicating that he had no knowledge of Mr. Boyd’s activities. 

Vice President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Chris Wallace issued a statement, “due to the ongoing police investigation, we do not feel it would be appropriate to comment further.  Unless some other information surfaces, Zach remains a valued member of the Grizzlies family and Memphis community.”

Jefferson also had an off-court issue. Al had a DUI conviction earlier this year for which he received a suspended sentence and probation.

This deal only makes sense for the Wolves if they are interested in creating more salary cap space in the future, and are interested in acquiring more late first round draft picks that they can package in a subsequent deal to get a top ten draft pick. 

The Timberwolves appear to be eager to bring three players back from the NBA draft that will be able to come in next year and see meaningful playing time in Minnesota.

Are the Timberwolves ready to turn the franchise around, or are they about sell low?