The Minnesota Timberwolves may try to buy a 2007 first round draft choice. Glen Taylor told Sports Headliners that acquiring another team’s pick in the June NBA draft through a cash transaction is something he has thought about.
The Wolves owner said recently it “depends on where we finish” in the draft order as to whether he will further consider purchasing a draft choice. The Wolves may not have a No. 1 pick because of a deal they made with the Clippers in 2005 sending Sam Cassell to Los Angeles for Marco Jaric.
Where the Wolves will draft is ultimately determined by the NBA’s lottery system. If the Wolves draft 1-10, they retain their No. 1 choice in 2007. If the pick is lower than No. 10, it goes to the Clippers.
Finding a seller to buy a pick from is likely to be a challenge since teams covet number one choices. But not all NBA teams have equally deep pockets and perhaps a franchise like the New Orleans Hornets might be interested in making a deal for millions in cash. Hornets’ owner George Shinn reportedly had financial challenges when his team was in Charlotte and now in New Orleans.
Taylor is determined to improve the Wolves. The franchise has doubled its scouting staff. The last two drafts have produced three players, Rashad McCants, Randy Foye and Craig Smith, who have the potential to contribute to a winning nucleus. McCants and Foye are guards, and Smith is an undersized (6-foot-7) forward. No doubt the team needs to participate in the draft and find a quality big man, a power forward or center to join Kevin Garnett as the team’s second quality player in the front court.
Taylor has been evaluating the Wolves at games. His seat is next to the coaching staff and he couldn’t be any closer to the players. Taylor said in an earlier interview this is the first year he has sat so near his employees. The seats became available after last season and he enjoys the up close location allowing him to observe things he wouldn’t otherwise see. Taylor said after awhile the players and coaches “forget about you” (being there). He makes mental notes about what he observes involving communications, motivation and focus. He said it’s “helpful when having a business meeting to have my own perspective. …”