Originally posted by Marc Stein, ESPN (sports.espn.go.com)Updated: July 13, 2010, 2:49 PM ET Wolves, Jazz finalizing trade terms
By Marc Stein ESPN.com
The Utah Jazz have finalized the terms of their expected trade with Minnesota to acquire big man Al Jefferson.
The Minneapolis Star-Tribune and The Associated Press reported Tuesday that the Jazz have agreed to send two future first-round picks to the Wolves in exchange for Jefferson. The deal is expected to be announced later Tuesday.
Sources told ESPN.com on Monday night that the Jazz and Timberwolves were on the verge of completing a trade that would slot Jefferson's contract into the $14 million trade exception that Utah created earlier this week in its sign-and-trade deal sending Carlos Boozer to the Chicago Bulls.
Because its trade exception is large enough to absorb Jefferson's $13 million salary next season, Utah can complete a trade for Jefferson without sending back any players to the Wolves.
Sources with knowledge of Minnesota's thinking said Monday that the Wolves' main aim in shopping Jefferson in recent weeks has been securing multiple future first-round picks and taking back as little salary as possible.
Marc Stein is a senior NBA writer for ESPN.com.
I really like this for both teams, actually. Jefferson was infuriatingly inconsistent and you could tell he wasn't going to have much of a future given Rambis' love of the triangle AND the pieces they'd picked up thus far. It was going to be him or Love, and for a few obvious reasons it wasn't going to be Love. On the other end, I can't see how he CAN'T but help the Jazz (unless he racks up another DWI, har har har) and the think the change will put a little fire in him for at least ONE season...
Wolves beat writer for the Star Tribune Jerry Zgoda tweets this distillation of a few of the Wolves' recent moves:
Originally posted by @JerryZgoda#Timberwolves swaps are basically this: Big Al and two twos for Michael Beasley, two ones and $13 mil trade exception. Like that deal?
I like the trade for Utah, it keeps them competitive. Big Al and Love probably would have been able to coexist if McHale was kept around. The whole thing makes more sense for the Wolves when you package the two deals together.
If nothing else there can be a lot of pipe dreams in Minny with future draft picks, a troubled but talented former #2 pick, and a talented but overseas #5 pick all dancing in fans heads.
EDIT*
chadfordinsider Jefferson deal is a very good one for Utah. TBD for Wolves. Depends on what they do with the $13M TPE. $16M for Ridnour a shaky start
Minnesots REALLY has to quit it with getting all these draft picks. It already seems like they draft four times a year with little results. If they keep trading the players they have for draft picks, it'll just be a never ending cycle.
Not a bad deal all in all though by the end, factoring in the Beasley trade. That was a steal for them, this is a bit of a drawback (I think Jefferson is a good player but probably wasn't a good fit for them), so they come out a little ahead in the end.
Originally posted by Psycho PenguinMinnesots REALLY has to quit it with getting all these draft picks. It already seems like they draft four times a year with little results. If they keep trading the players they have for draft picks, it'll just be a never ending cycle.
...but then then he said...
Originally posted by Psycho PenguinNot a bad deal all in all though by the end, factoring in the Beasley trade. That was a steal for them,
You do realize what they gave the Heat for Beasley, right?
Originally posted by Psycho Penguin... A 2nd round pick in 2011. Not even s 1st round pick. And now they have 2 more picks. What's your point exactly?
I didn't think I'd have to spell it out for you, but okay: you chastise them for having too many draft picks but then turn around and laud them for getting Beasley using their draft picks. Get it yet?
Originally posted by Psycho Penguin... A 2nd round pick in 2011. Not even s 1st round pick. And now they have 2 more picks. What's your point exactly?
I didn't think I'd have to spell it out for you, but okay: you chastise them for having too many draft picks but then turn around and laud them for getting Beasley using their draft picks. Get it yet?
- StiingArmy
Yes, they gave up ONE DRAFT PICK IN 2011 to get Beasley and then turn around and trade Jefferson for TWO DRAFT PICKS. Meaning they came out one draft pick ahead in the deal.
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I feel so sorry for Jim Jackson. I remember the "Three J" stable in Dallas (Jackson, Kidd, Mashburn) and I thought he would breakout. This is like his 80th team in 12 years.