He didn't really take back any bad contracts..Etan Thomas expires after this year and the other players were making under the MLE anyway so not going to negatively effect them.
In the west..whats the difference between 15 wins and 45 wins? You aren't going to be playing any playoff games either way so why not take your time and build the best team possible through the draft. Twolves in 2, 3 years will have 1 of the deepest teams in the league with Flynn/Love/Jefferson, Ellinginton 3 1st round picks in 2010, 2 in the lottery + the draft rights to 20, 21 year old Rubio which could get them much more in a trade than Foye and Miller could ever get.
Who would argue.. Rubio's trade value in 2 years > Foye and Miller's trade value now.
I guess that makes sense. Say MIN concedes the next 2 seasons, sort of like the Knicks plan for 2008 & 2009.... OK. So, they plan on "being ready to compete" come 2011. OK. Al Jefferson will only be turning 27 that season. SO, he's still young enough to be a stud.
Al Jefferson is also signed through 2013.
SO, the plan (I guess) would be to make a run at it all the 2012 & 2013 seasons? Knowing you're going to be lousy the next 2 years, and hoping it starts to come together at the start of 2011.
I'm following you. For sure.
SO, Flynn-Ellington-Love-Jefferson will get all this playing time together.... They'll sprinkle in some talent the next 2 drafts.... And then get to bring over Rubio in 2011, or just trad ehim somewhere for other pieces.
HEY, Kahn was Walsh's understudy.... Walsh is employing that very same plan here in NY. Kahn also has more assets: He has a BIG MAN STUD in Jefferson, and a bunch of top draft picks, along with Rubio. Walsh is pretty much betting the farm he gets to sign Lebron, or two free agent studs.
SO, in a sense, Kahn's logic is more sound. It's safer. Why not?
The only problem is.... The Mayans said the world will end by the time the 2012 seaons begins. Too bad for MInny.