Hold the Mayo

[chris]

OK...the Wolves drafted OJ Mayo, then traded him to Memphis.  McHale (McFail if you prefer) is getting a lot of flack for this move.  Rightfully so, given his track record of trading away better players for lesser players.  This trade is different though. 

With the Roy/Foye trade, all Minnesota added was cash.  DUMB.  Nothing in that deal helped the team.  One can argue that the Marbury draft day trade worked in Minnesota's favor early on.  He was very good when he was here, just went down-hill when he went to the big apple.  But this trade has the potential to REALLY help the Wolves.  They get rid of a cancer with a bloated contract in Walker.  They lose fan nemesis Jaric (who sadly wont' be leaving his wife behind).  They add a solid outside shooter who averaged 16 points and 6 boards per game last year.  Those are three positives.  They also take on one contract that expires after this season, and another that expires after next season, meaning salary cap space will open up sooner. 

What did it take to gain all this?  trading a player with a Marquee name who has never proven himself at the NBA level and plays a position already clogged on Minnesota's roster for a big man who actually fills a need and has potential to be very good, if not a superstar.  Jefferson had NO help inside.  Now he does.  While Mayo has mile-high potential, he could also crash and burn.  And playing him would have meant one of our better players would have been stuck on the bench since we're so guard-heavy. 

Mayo's the glamor pick.  No doubt about it.  He may even win rookie of the year this year.  Which would be the 2nd time in 3 years we traded away the ROY.  But...this deal makes sense for Minnesota. Now who's going to replace Jaric's wife in the stands???