I have been delaying writing this since the night of September 27th when I got my first Shams Bomb about KAT. Being born in 2000 KAT is the only piece of relevance this team had for me growing up. Before KAT the Timberwolves were a joke that happened to have Kevin Love. I wasn’t able to watch KG’s prime enough to remember so when we finally got our first ever first pick in 2015 I knew something would change.
KAT finally got us back in the playoffs with Jimmy and Wiggins in 2018 which was my peak as Wolves fan to that point then the team was disassembled again by 2019-2020 into one of the worst rosters in the NBA. KAT could have done what most all-stars would have done and requested a trade but he didn’t. He stayed loyal and trusted in our ownership and GM group even when he started with Kelan Martin after they traded Covington. We eventually got D-Lo and ANT for the next season. We made a coaching change halfway through to give Kat his fifth coach since 2015 and finally with Chris Finch we had a real team.
We all know what has happened since three straight playoff berths, a Western Conference Finals berth last season, along with KAT constantly helping the community of MN/MSP as a whole. So when I got the notification he was headed to New York I was bummed and angry. It is unfair and unjust that someone who gave our city, state, and franchise so much got moved after our best season ever. It is unfair that is contract based when the only reason he has a big contract is because he was committed to staying. KAT’s biggest haters in the Wolves community even agree it’s bad they upset ANT and his chemistry.
The other side of the trade is that we made it. While my heart hurts for a player that made me love him so much we did get another all star PF for him in Randle. We also were able to acquire a great shooter and overall player in Divincenzo. This gives the Wolves financial stability as far as keeping the core together of Naz, Mcdaniels, and Edwards. With another Gobert contract looming after we gave up so many picks for him I am fine to say that this was probably the right basketball move. The Wolves are considerably more deep than they have ever been as it think it’s hard to say what 8-10 players will get minutes each night between the players from last season, rookies like Dillingham and Shannon Jr, new additions, and players like Josh Minott and Luka Garza who have been developing waiting for an opportunity.
The Timberwolves are going to be good this year and the Knicks will likely be good as well as both will be at the top of their respective conferences. Making a move this late in the offseason however begs questions that people will be looking for throughout the season. I am looking forward to another ride with y’all on this platform with the Timberwolves. We play JJ’s Lakers tonight and the Kings on Thursday before opening at home vs Toronto Saturday.
West Coast Hoops 