NBA Trade Deadline 2016: Grading every team’s moves

Minnesota Timberwolves

The Minnesota Timberwolves seemed to have a number of balls in the air coming up to Thursday’s NBA Trade Deadline. Their big objective was to try and move the boulder of a contract of veteran guard Kevin Martin. However, other potential deals were put on the table as the days passed, most notably reported discussions regarding moving point guard Ricky Rubio.

However, the talk about Rubio only turned out to be a smoke screen as the Wolves are now saying that they never had any serious intentions of trading Rubio before the deadline. Despite the fact that Rubio may not have developed in the manner that many hoped he would, that’s the right call for this Minnesota team and their young core. As for Martin, he was simply owed too much money on the rest of his deal given what he offers his team in his mid-30s and no one was willing to take on the money.

Even if the Timberwolves didn’t get a trade done, this deadline was far from unsuccessful for them. They are one of the most talent-laden teams in the entire NBA and they have massive potential. Breaking that up right now would only complicate their rebuilding process that’s going swimmingly right now. Sure, it’d have been nice to deal Martin, but making no moves at all is livable.

Grade: C

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