Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor told Sports Headliners the Wolves could make a deal before the NBA trading deadline next week. “I just might say 50-50 (odds). We have no deal right now. I do know teams are calling.”
Presumably the Wolves are most interested in acquiring an exceptional shooting small forward or big guard, or perhaps a draft choice allowing them to further improve their roster of talented young players. The trading deadline is March 15.
Taylor said teams, including the Lakers, have asked about Wolves forward Michael Beasley, a starter in past seasons but not now. Beasley might be the most likely player to be traded, although second year guard Wes Johnson, a disappointment so far including with his shooting, could be on a short list of candidates, too.
Do the Wolves have any untouchables on the roster? “People ask about Ricky (Rubio) and Kevin (Love),” Taylor said. “We’re not even going to talk to them (other teams).”
General manager David Kahn is presumably making and receiving a lot of calls from other clubs, but one deal that hasn’t been discussed involves his contract. Kahn is in the last year of his three-year deal and Taylor wants him to continue with the organization.
The Wolves owner said he hasn’t even thought about when the two will discuss a new contract — likely after the season. “I like David,” Taylor said. “…He’s always out there exploring. He lays out a lot of options (for Taylor).”
The Wolves might make the playoffs for the first time since 2004, but Taylor said neither Kahn nor first year head coach Rick Adelman has bonus clauses in their contracts for postseason results.