In a whirlwind of Cleveland Cavaliers moves prior to Thursday’s trade deadline, Derrick Rose was sent to the Utah Jazz and promptly released. Marc Stein reports that Rose is headed to Minnesota if he clears waivers (a likely proposition).
Rose’s relationship with Tom Thibodeau — dating back to their time in Chicago when Rose was crowned the league’s MVP — is well-documented. It has long been speculated that Thibodeau was pining for a reunion. It is here.
What This Means For Minnesota
- Tyus Jones’ role could be in jeopardy. Minnesota’s 21-year-old point guard has thrived in a limited role (18.2 minutes per game) this season behind Jeff Teague. Rose would only further convolute the Wolves’ lead ball-handler rotation that also occasionally features Jimmy Butler and Jamal Crawford.
- The financial burden is negligible. Rose was on a minimum contract with Cleveland prior to the trade. He would likely make a prorated version of this contract in Minnesota — keeping the team below the luxury-tax line.
- Aaron Brooks would likely be headed out the door. Teams do not keep four point guards on the roster and Brooks would be the odd man out.
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Dane Moore
Dane Moore is Zone Coverage's staff writer covering the Minnesota Timberwolves. Dane has been covering the Wolves in various capacities since the inception of the Tom Thibodeau era -- which was a really weird place to start his NBA writing career.
You can find Dane's coverage of the Timberwolves and the NBA with Charlie Johnson at Zone Coverage and on The Dane Moore NBA Podcast. The goal is perpetuating a love of the game and elevating the basketball conversation -- because that's what Nikola Pekovic would want. (Will talk about jump hooks.)
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