Carmelo Anthony Trade: What's Next For The Minnesota Timberwolves?
The Minnesota Timberwolves got involved in the Carmelo Anthony trade Monday, acquiring Anthony Randolph, the expiring contract of Eddy Curry and $3 million from the New York Knicks.
In exchange, Minnesota will send Corey Brewer to New York.
With the second-worst record in the league at 13-43, Minnesota seems to be trying to do everything it can to get out of that hole.
With the main addition of Randolph, what's next for the Minnesota Timberwolves?
Starting Lineup
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All the hopes and dreams of the Timberwolves still rely primarily on Kevin Love.
The addition of Eddy Curry really means nothing, as he probably won't even play a minute for Minnesota.
With the departure of Corey Brewer, Wayne Ellington may take over the shooting guard position. If he can't hold down that role, the Timberwolves will probably force Randolph into the starting lineup somehow.
As of right now though, Randolph is still supposed to sit on the bench.
Keep The Additions Rolling
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Minnesota is one of a few teams who have showed major interest in Steve Nash.
Although Phoenix has never stated that they want to trade Nash, he is 37 years old and only has one year left on his contract.
Kevin Love told GQ magazine that Ricky Rubio will make a big impact by either playing for the T-Wolves, or by trading him for a big name player.
Minnesota would probably be reluctant to trade Rubio, especially for a 37-year old point guard past his prime, but at least they know what they can get out of Nash, while Rubio has yet to play a game in the NBA.
Continue to Develop
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For the remainder of the season, Minnesota needs to continue to focus on the future and develop their young players.
Jonny Flynn, Wayne Ellington, Wesley Johnson and Michael Beasley have all shown promise in different ways, but they all still need work to do.
This team of the above-mentioned players could win the NCAA championship easily, but winning an NBA championship is a whole different story.
Take Yet Another Top Draft Pick
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There is a great class coming out of college for next year's draft.
Kyrie Irving, Perry Jones and Derrick Williams are all viable options.
Irving is a talented point guard from Duke, who would probably only be taken if Rubio is traded.
Jones or Williams would most likely take over the power forward position and force Kevin Love into the center spot.
Still, any of those athletes would be a great addition to this young team and could help them in the future.
Focus The Team Around Kevin Love
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While Kevin Love is one of the best all-around big men in the league, he doesn't have the hype that comes with it.
Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic have people from all over the country interested in them. That makes other players want to play for Orlando, and it provides a general spark in their play.
If Minnesota can somehow make Love as popular as Howard, or anywhere near that level, it should help them in the long run.
Figure Out The Point Guard Situation
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We've mentioned multiple scenarios involving Minnesota's point guard situation.
They can trade for Steve Nash, they can keep and develop Jonny Flynn or they can bring in Ricky Rubio.
The Timberwolves can't keep drafting point guards every year, and hoping one will prove themselves. The front office needs to come up with a plan and stick to it.
Having Flynn and Rubio on the squad for next year may be okay, but at some point, they will only need one of those players.
Hire a Coach With Head Coaching Experience
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While Kurt Rambis did great as an assistant coach under Phil Jackson, he hasn't really done much to improve the Timberwolves.
I know, it has only been two seasons since the Timberwolves hired Rambis, but it just isn't going to work in the long run. The T-Wolves need someone with head coaching experience, especially a successful one.
That might be easier said then done, but just because Rambis coached on a squad with Phil Jackson, and Kobe Bryant, it doesn't mean he can do the same thing to a struggling team.
Get Rid Of Darko Milicic
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Milicic was taken second overall in the NBA draft and has yet to live up to that potential.
He's not a horrible center, but he's not that great either. His best attribute is his ability to block shots, but that isn't enough.
Kevin Love is grabbing up every rebound he can, which is probably limiting Milicic's numbers. Still, Milicic will never start for a NBA championship team, and if that is Minnesota's ultimate goal, then they need to make a change.
Coast Through Next Year
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Even if Minnesota can do all that, they still won't have enough talent to compete for a title next year.
The best thing for them is to continue to grow and get better. If they can be a .500 team next year, then that would be amazing.
Dynasties aren't built overnight, and while it might be hard to wait, that's going to be the best thing for this young team in the long run.
Playoffs at Last
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It may take some time to get back to the days when Kevin Garnett was on Minnesota, but the T-Wolves have the pieces to be able to contend in the near future.
The West is looking as weak as it ever has, with only a couple of teams who have legitimate shots to win a title. Now that Carmelo Anthony is out of Denver, the Nuggets will most likely drop in the standings and leave room for other teams to enter the playoff scenario.
If the Timberwolves can get a starting lineup of Ricky Rubio, Wayne Ellington, Wesley Johnson, Perry Jones, and Kevin Love, then they may be able to play with basketball's elite and make another run at a championship,
