The Second Best Center in the Western Conference gets Traded

Mark Blount wasn't so good after all? Hmm, looks like many fans were right, and Jim Pete was wrong... again.

Before the rampant speculation and the unrealistic trade offerings continue, let's step back one moment and appreciate just how bad the first Boston trade was. (Silence)

Okay, now let's give credit where credit is due. The Iron Ranger has done well with this trade. No matter if it's junk we received in return, Davis and Blount had to go. There's still the obvious problem with too many contracted bodies, but let's wait and see if the implied promise of further deals ring true. Something has to happen.

After reading the various boards and regular commentators, buy-out mania has taken hold. I would offer that very few players still get bought out. For the most part, it's a move of last resort. No one wanted Troy Hudson given his baggage, so that was an easy call. Buyout amounts are still spread over the remaining length of the player's contract, and count against the cap. As a result I would guess that Glen Taylor wouldn't want too many of those on his ledger sheet. Therefore it makes sense the Wolves front office would try to make deals outright to reduce the body count; only after failing that would he and McHale choose the buyout option. Juwan Howard, Marko Jaric, John Edwards, and possibly one of the Miami players are prime contenders to be cut or moved at this point.

The Wolves organization should take note of the buzz this activity has created. In lieu of having a contending team, moving pieces around to give at least the illusion of hope is core to rebuilding the fan base. A reasonable contract extension for Big Al would help as well. The dealings of the remainder of this pre-season will be a telltale sign to see if Taylor.org can compete with the other functional NBA front offices.