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NBA Expansion: Wolves' Draft Decisions Under Scrutiny
14 Feb
Summary
- NBA expansion is imminent, with Seattle and Las Vegas tipped for new franchises.
- An expansion draft would trigger new player protection decisions for all teams.
- The Wolves' hypothetical protection list prioritizes young talent and key veterans.
The National Basketball Association is gearing up for expansion, with projections indicating new franchises in Seattle and Las Vegas are likely within the next few years, expanding the league to 32 teams. This impending expansion will trigger the NBA's first expansion draft since the Charlotte Bobcats joined in 2004.
Existing franchises will face significant player protection decisions. Historically, teams protect up to eight players under contract or as restricted free agents, leaving at least one unprotected but losing no more than one player. For this hypothetical scenario, the Timberwolves' core protection includes young stars Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels.
Additional protected players for the Timberwolves in this simulated draft would likely be Naz Reid, Ayo Dosunmu, and potentially veterans Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle. Donte DiVincenzo and promising rookie Joan Beringer are also strong candidates for protection, leaving players like Anthony Shannon and (?) unprotected.
While this expansion draft is not expected for several years, the hypothetical exercise reveals the strategic considerations franchises must undertake. The Wolves' approach in this scenario emphasizes retaining their young core and valuable role players, anticipating future team needs.
