"Theo indicated to us that he wasn’t sure of his plans in the future –
whether he was going to play or not – and there was an indication that
he would not re-sign with us if he did choose to continue playing,"
said Timberwolves Vice President of Basketball Operations Kevin McHale.
"This provides us an opportunity to play our younger post players –
Craig Smith and Chris Richard – and give us more time to continue to
evaluate them. I cannot say enough about Theo’s professionalism
throughout the entire season and we wish him the best of luck in the
future."
 
 
 
Wolves
VP of basketball operations Kevin McHale said the buyout discussions
for Theo Ratliff started a few weeks ago when Ratliff’s agent
approached the Wolves about such a move. McHale said Ratliff and his
agent were professional in the way they handled it.
 
"There are some pros and cons, no question," McHale said. But in the end, "It was a win-win situation for everyone." 
 
  
 
 

The positives:
A) The Wolves get to see more of their young guys, like Chris Richard and Craig Smith, on the basketball floor.
B) The Wolves save some money.
C) Ratliff has the chance to sign with a contender in order to make a playoff run.
 


The only negative noted by McHale was that the Wolves won’t get to watch Ratliff play alongside Al Jefferson.
 
 
 
The Wolves opted not to trade Ratliff because they
had what they wanted: salary-cap flexibility. A $11.66 million slot is
infinitely more valuable to Minnesota than a (for instance) player with
a fat, multi-season contract. Rebuilding teams generally look to horde
salary-cap flexibility unless a perfect, young piece to the puzzle
falls into their lap. Last month, no available player fit that mold.
 
 
 
Ratliff and Wittman said good-bye to each other last night. Ratliff was not at shootaround this morning because he already had left town, according to Wittman.
Concerning why this move made sense now, Wittman said, "I think it was kind of indications being that this was it for him. If he did decide to try to play another year, it was going to have to be for a championship-caliber team." 
 
 
 
“We put an offer out there and I wasn’t sure they’d accept it, but they did,” McHale said. “And here we are.”
 
The buyout made sense to McHale and the Wolves because Ratliff was
willing to give up a chunk of the $3.7 million still owed him and
because it was obvious that, if he does decide to try to play again
next season (a reasonably good-sized if) it won’t be in Minnesota. This
saves the team money, presumably allows them to give Chris Richard and
Craig Smith more playing time and makes Ratliff happy.