At the time I write this, this is not officially confirmed yet, but it appears so. Also, deals aren't completely finalized, but it looks like Minnesota will be getting Al Jefferson, Gerald Green, Theo Ratliff, Sebastian Telfair, Ryan Gomes, and draft picks for The Big Ticket.This is the type of deal that I think actually does work for both teams pretty well. They will both have very different goals next season, and this trade pushes both of these teams in that direction.
First, the Timberwolves, who officially enter rebuilding mode. Kevin McHale was just not able to put together a decent cast around Garnett the past few seasons. So, instead of enduring another 35-win season with Garnett near the end of his prime, they traded him. Partly because he wanted to move on, partly because it really was the best move for everyone involved. And really, I think they're getting a pretty nice haul, depending on what it is when its finalized.
Al Jefferson is 22 years old, coming off of a 16 and 11 season, and could be an All-Star in a season or two, even in the West. Obviously, he's the main piece of the deal, and he's extremely promising. The other big piece is certainly Gerald Green, who has loads of athletic potential. He might still be a ways away from being a consistent contributor, but he does have lots of potential. They also look to get Ryan Gomes (a nice role player), Sebastian Telfair (meh), Theo Ratliff (an expiring contract), and picks. Not bad.
Yes, they lose the face of their franchise and the most popular player in the history of the team. But due to management, they simply weren't going anywhere with him on the roster. Now, they have a nice core of young players to grow with... guys like Al Jefferson, Gerald Green, Randy Foye, Corey Brewer, and Rashad McCants are all nice pieces.
For Boston, they were basically backed into a corner with the Ray Allen deal. With this, that makes a little more sense, and we can clearly see the direction of this team. Ainge has sacrificed the long-term future, but they are now legitimate contenders in the East. After the Ray Allen deal, this is one that almost had to be made.
They need to make some other moves... as good as the trio is, they can't win by themselves... but they are like a better version of the Wizards, and the Wizards would have been a threat in the East last year if they had been healthy. I don't see any problems arising with KG, Allen, and Pierce playing together. They've all had the starring role, but I don't have a hard time seeing them all co-exist and work together. Are they are a 50-win team right now? I'm not sure. They don't really have a starting PG, C, or any depth. But in the East, those 3 guys might be good enough to get them a top 3 seed.
What do you think of this deal if it happens? Who wins?