Mayo heads to Memhpis, Love to to Minnesota

[60 SEC ASSASSIN]

By Chad Ford
ESPN.com

The Minnesota Timberwolves aren't holding onto O.J. Mayo for long.

Two league sources told ESPN.com that the Wolves have reached an agreement in principle with the Memphis Grizzlies that will send the draft rights of Mayo, Marko Jaric, Antoine Walker and Greg Buckner to the Grizzlies in return for the draft rights to Kevin Love, Mike Miller, Brian Cardinal and Jason Collins.

The deal is a blockbuster for both teams. ESPN.com reported on Tuesday that the Wolves GM Kevin McHale was infatuated with Love, but felt that the team had to select Mayo and use him to acquire more assets.

In addition to landing Love, the Wolves get a sharp-shooting swingman in Miller who can help carry the scoring load from the perimeter. The deal is also a financial boon for the Timberwolves who get the bad contract of Jaric (three years, $21 million) off the books. Walker and Buckner's contracts are not guaranteed after this season.

The Grizzlies get the superstar they wanted in the backcourt in Mayo. The also rid themselves of Cardinal's bad contract (two years, $13 million). The Grizzlies now have a glut of guards on the team with Mayo, Mike Conley, Kyle Lowry and Javaris Crittendon.

 

[Chadman]

Although once again we are teased with a couple players that end up on other teams, I think this deal makes a lot of sense for the Wolves. I am upset that they were able to draft Chalmers and then gave him away, I have never been sold on Mayo as a superstar nor as a person, and to be able to get two quality players (assuming Love will turn out to be a good player) for him is a sensible attempt to upgrade the team. Getting rid of Jaric and Walker is terrific, and they are just about done getting rid of McHale's stupid contracts and players of the past few years. Miller is a terrific addition to the team, finally giving the Wolves a solid 3-point threat every night, which should help Jefferson and Love - and take some pressure off Foye. Had they held onto Chalmers to help at the point, I would have been really happy. But I just don't think Mayo would have been in Minnesota about three years from now, and I think the two they got back will.

Guess we'll see how it plays out. Can't see Mayo digging Memphis much...maybe he can play for Calipari instead? :shrug:

 

[BUCSnotYUCKS]

I think Memphis got a great player in Mayo. I think he's gonna be a very good pro. The hype and shit during the draft is very political.

IMO, Mayo has the best NBA potential of all the players.

However, Minnesota got away with highway robbery in this trade.

 

[bleedingpurple]

Although once again we are teased with a couple players that end up on other teams, I think this deal makes a lot of sense for the Wolves. I am upset that they were able to draft Chalmers and then gave him away, I have never been sold on Mayo as a superstar nor as a person, and to be able to get two quality players (assuming Love will turn out to be a good player) for him is a sensible attempt to upgrade the team. Getting rid of Jaric and Walker is terrific, and they are just about done getting rid of McHale's stupid contracts and players of the past few years. Miller is a terrific addition to the team, finally giving the Wolves a solid 3-point threat every night, which should help Jefferson and Love - and take some pressure off Foye. Had they held onto Chalmers to help at the point, I would have been really happy. But I just don't think Mayo would have been in Minnesota about three years from now, and I think the two they got back will.

Guess we'll see how it plays out. Can't see Mayo digging Memphis much...maybe he can play for Calipari instead? :shrug:

I agree but the Wolves suck when they make draft day trades.

 

[ELVIS]

i was pissed to see memphis trade love, but i hope i am wrong. i don't know what you guys see in miller, but he does not play d, nor can he do anything except shoot 3's.......................

he is certainly not athletic enough to guard other quicker small forwards in this league.

i hope mayo is great, but really liked love. rare big man with great hands,court awareness,will play well with others........