How firing GM impacts Timberwolves’ future for Karl-Anthony Cities and potential Ben Simmons commerce

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The Timberwolves are parting methods with president of basketball operations Gersson Rosas, in response to Shams Charania of The Athletic. 

Rosas’ dismissal comes 5 days earlier than the NBA’s begin of coaching camp on Monday, a fragile time for such a call. However according to Chris Hine of the Star Tribune, “there was a rising discord and strained relationships between Rosas, the entrance workplace and the remainder of the group” in the previous few months, resulting in his dismissal. 

Timberwolves All-Star heart Karl-Anthony Cities instantly voiced his displeasure with the choice. 

Rosas, who was employed by Minnesota in Could 2019, made an assortment of strikes throughout his tenure. Solely two gamers stay from the Timberwolves’ energetic roster from the 2018-19 season, Cities and guard Josh Okogie, after quite a few trades and acquisitions. 

Right here’s a glance again at Rosas’ tenure and what his dismissal will imply for Minnesota shifting ahead. 

MORE: The top 50 storylines of the 2021-22 season

Main strikes below Gersson Rosas

How firing GM impacts Timberwolves' future for Karl-Anthony Cities and potential Ben Simmons commerce
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Based on Dylan Jackson of DunkingWithWolves.com, Rosas made 10 trades by means of July 2021, probably the most notable one being the Timberwolves’ acquisition of level guard D’Angelo Russell, ahead Omari Spellman and guard Jacob Evans from the Timberwolves in Feb. 2020 for ahead Andrew Wiggins, a 2021 first-round decide and a 2021 second-round decide. 

To date, the commerce seems to be a flop for Minnesota, as Russell has performed simply 54 video games since he was dealt. He underwent arthroscopic knee surgical procedure in February of this season and missed 26 contests from Feb. 10 to April 3, one thing that contributed to Minnesota ending thirteenth within the Western Convention with a 23-49 file. 

In the meantime, the Timberwolves’ 2021 decide became the No. 7 decide for Golden State which it used on Jonathan Kuminga, a uncooked wing with large upside who many thought of a top-five decide. Wiggins has additionally been a productive and sturdy piece for the Warriors, showing in 71 of their 72 video games final 12 months. 

Rosas additionally acquired level guard Ricky Rubio in November 2020, however the transfer didn’t work properly. Rubio’s statistics dipped significantly from his 2019-20 season with the Suns, as he struggled to pair with Russell, one other ball-dominant participant. 

Not all of Rosas’ strikes have been unhealthy although. The Timberwolves made appeared to make an ideal choice with Anthony Edwards, who was named to the All-Rookie first-team whereas averaging 19.3 factors, 4.7 rebounds and a pair of.9 assists, with the primary decide within the 2020 NBA Draft. 

Potential for a Ben Simmons commerce 

How firing GM impacts Timberwolves' future for Karl-Anthony Cities and potential Ben Simmons commerce
(Getty Pictures)

According to BetMGM, the TImberwolves have one of the best odds to land Simmons at plus-400. They have been reportedly probably the most energetic group in attempting to amass Simmons this summer season, although no deal was made. 

Minnesota prefers to maintain its core of Cities, Edwards and Russell in any a possible commerce for Simmons, according to Dan Feldman of NBC Sports, and will embody Malik Beasley, Josh Okogie and Jaden McDaniels, amongst different gamers, in a deal. Nonetheless, Philadelphia is trying to win now, one thing that would pressure Russell right into a package deal. 

Right here’s a take a look at a timeline of Simmons being moved into commerce talks this summer season. 

Who will turn out to be the following GM for the Minnesota Timberwolves?

Within the instant time period, the Timberwolves promoted Sachin Gupta to interim head of basketball operations. Gupta is an analytics guru, creator of ESPN’s commerce machine, and protege of former Philadelphia 76ers GM Sam Presti. The Timberwolves introduced they may start a seek for a everlasting alternative and Gupta will obtain consideration for the place.

Per Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report, Minnesota homeowners Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez are “keen on” 76ers basic supervisor Elton Model for his or her open president of basketball operations place. 

Model was named a participant growth advisor for Philadelphia in December 2016 and promoted to basic supervisor in September 2018. A few of his notable strikes have been buying and selling for present Warmth star Jimmy Butler in November 2018, signing Celtics ahead Al Horford to a multi-year deal in July 2019 and hiring present coach Doc Rivers in Oct. 2020. Model beforehand performed 17 years within the NBA and was named a two-time All-Star. It’s unknown if Model has mutual curiosity within the position, however it might present him a chance to work with a younger, promising core in Minnesota. 

The Timberwolves have made the playoffs as soon as over the earlier 17 seasons getting into 2021-22.


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