Timberwolves left reeling as GM trades away Flynn - wolvesjr34's Dynasty

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Timberwolves left reeling as GM trades away Flynn

Posted on June 9, 2011 at 03:15 AM.

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Flynn was traded Thursday.

February Third, the day after the Timberwolves lost a close contest to the Memphis Grizzlies it was announced by Wolves GM AJ Stuart that the league's assist leader Jonny Flynn had been traded along with Martell Webster and the Timberwolves 2012 2nd round draft pick to the New Jersey Nets for shooting guard Anthony Morrow (3 years $16m) and young power forward Brandon Wright (expiring contract) and the Nets first round draft pick for 2011.

The trade in itself seemed an odd one given the Nets have Deron Williams, but GM Stuart said that the Wolves had been approached by the Nets with regards to an interest in Flynn. Negotiations followed and a surprising deal was struck. The Nets were in the box seat for the #1 draft pick with the leagues worst record, but things could change with the addition of Flynn and Webster who bring some valuable experience and skills to strengthen the bench of New Jersey. Minnesota fans of course, perplexed by the dealing of their young star hope that New Jersey doesn't find a way out of the mire.

Coach Rambis wasn't overly happy with the decision but had given his agreement, knowing that rookie Eric Bledsoe was looking for a chance to flourish. That said Rambis told reporters before the game against the Raptors that, "Telfair will start at point guard. We expect Bledsoe to have the bulk of the minutes but we believe it important that Bledsoe continue to earn his role. Telfair has his chance to prove his worth to us and the rest of the league as he comes out of contract."

Anthony Morrow and Brandon Wright were rushed to Toronto to join the Wolves, who were already without Michael Beasley for the contest against the Eastern Conference team who had a mere 17 wins on the board. Telfair was thrust into the starting line-up, but it was pretty much a nominal role, as Bledsoe played the majority of the minutes at point guard, but Telfair's 15 minutes were a significant improvement on the 2 or 3 minutes he would previously have had in game.

The Timberwolves would lose to a Jose Calderon and Andrea Bargnani led Raptors 108 - 110, as Morrow struggled with his new surroundings. Eric Bledsoe thrived with 27 points and 15 assists, but it wasn't enough as the rest of his team mates were clearly shaken by the loss of Webster and Flynn from the locker room.

If the locker room shake up brought on by the trade wasn't enough of a hickup to the young Wolves, Wesley Johnson who had been coming on strong in recent times, went down with a severe ankle sprain and doctors expect the rookie to be out 4 to 6 weeks. The Wolves depth at small forward was non existent at this juncture.

Kevin Love had this to say after the game, "Wes going down like that was harsh man, he was helping us stay in that game. It was a tough loss, but we'll be fine. Just adjusting to the new guys and probably missing Jonny and Martell a bit, but we will be fine. It's a long season and we've done the hard work to get where we are, we don't intend to let that work go to waste. We'll make the adjustments we need to, and if that means I have to stand up more, than I will."

Isaiah Rider deflected questions about his form and focused on his injured team mate, "It's a team game guys. Sometimes it's my time and some times it ain't. Right now I'm just focused on Wes, he's a great young kid and its just &$*# that he's hurt. We're going to miss him."

The Wolves needed another small forward and fortunately for them it happened that Michael Finley was in Toronto visiting friends. The Wolves brought Finley in for a quick shoot around in a local gym and satisfied with what they saw offered him a contract for the rest of the season. Thirty Seven year-old Finley had this to say at this morning's shoot around at Target Center ahead of tonight's game against the Nuggets. "I thought I was done but hey now I am here on a good team willing to do my bit, whether than be two minutes a night or 20. Great to be in Minnesota."

It will be interesting to see how the Wolves go with this make shift line-up, as Michael Beasley is still at least two weeks away from playing. Current indication is that Rider will start at the small forward position and Morrow will slot in at shooting guard.