We have an opportunity for you to hit us up with your questions in this, our weekly mailbag feature. Have a question regarding player movement, the salary cap or the NBA draft? Drop us a line at HoopsRumorsMailbag@Gmail.com. Here are this week’s inquiries:
Will Kevin Garnett be back with the up-and-coming Timberwolves for a NBA record 22nd season? One would think Garnett’s decision should be easy with the longevity milestone within reach and $8MM on the table. Is there any truth to the rumor that there was a falling out between him and new Minnesota coach Tom Thibodeau when they were together in Boston? Is it possible that KG plays for someone other than the T’Wolves this year? — Matt Trapp
The Wolves are still waiting for a definite answer from Garnett, but the record and the money are strong incentives to return for another year. It’s not like Garnett played all that much last season. He averaged 14.6 minutes per night for 38 games until injuries knocked him out of action. There’s no reason he can’t handle a limited workload. There were reports after Thibodeau was hired that he and Garnett maintained a good relationship and having him as coach might be enough to make Garnett continue as an active player. Garnett reportedly wants to transition into an ownership role with Minnesota, so there’s almost no chance he winds up with another team.
I thought the Bucks might move Greg Monroe after the free agent dust settled in July, but obviously that didn’t happen. Do you see them making a move before the season starts? — Brad Polczynski
The Monroe trade rumors have dragged out all summer, and it’s easy to understand why. After being heralded as a rare big-name free agent who chose the Bucks, he turned out to be a poor fit. Plus, he still has two years and $35MM left on his contract. There have been rumors that the Pelicans are interested, but this is historically a difficult time to make a trade. Maybe once we get to December 15th and offseason signees are eligible to be dealt, the trade market for Monroe will heat up.
Do the NBA draftees and veteran players invited to training camps get paid even if they don’t make the final cut? — Greg Dizon
It depends on the team, the player and his agent, but many camp invitees get some kind of guarantee. It’s not a way to get rich, but it gives the player an incentive to join an NBA team’s camp rather than signing overseas.
An ownership role?? Being good at basketball (for a while) doesn’t qualify you to own the team. Any business experience? No. College business degree? No. Take another bong hit, Kevin, and keep throwing the ball in the hoop, occasionally.