A source told The Oklahoman on Wednesday that Minnesota, which has the Nos. 5, 6, 18 and 28 picks, might try to move up to No. 3, not to select Hasheem Thabeet or Rubio, but Tyreke Evans.
The Timberwolves are convinced the Sacramento Kings will take Evans at No. 4 and might want to leapfrog the Kings. But Minnesota also has interest in Rubio and Thabeet, so it doesn’t want to overpay and might keep picks 5 and 6.
Kahn dealt both Foye and Miller because he said it was his last chance to swap two players with expiring contracts for such a high draft pick, tonight’s fifth overall, that he hopes becomes a vital part of the team’s youthful nucleus.
“After Thursday, you can’t trade these guys for a pick,” he said.
Also from Zgoda:
Rubio never visited the Twin Cities for a predraft workout and Kahn never interviewed him, although Kahn said Wednesday afternoon that a conversation still was possible.
Rubio said he’s willing to play anywhere — “It’s the NBA,” he said — even though when asked for his impression of Minnesota, he called it “too cold.”
“My mom is worried because she doesn’t like the cold weather,” Rubio told reporters Wednesday in New York. “She’s worried about that. We’ll see.”
Arizona State’s James Harden slipped into town from NYC draft for a surprise workout today, but apparently did not impress.
The Timberwolves now own the 5th (from Washington) and 6th (their own) picks, and reportedly have wanted to move up to the second slot for weeks. Their target is said to be Thabeet or Spanish point guard Ricky Rubio.
But it’s news to the Griz if Minnesota is willing to part with Kevin Love, as had been suggested in trade rumors. Recently hired T’wolves GM David Kahn has insisted the team isn’t making Love or Al Jefferson available.
Reports Tuesday night indicated that Minnesota also didn’t plan to package both lottery picks in order to move up.
