Minnesota Timberwolves: 5 Things Needed for a Turnaround

Jan 1, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Andrew Wiggins (22) dribbles in the fourth quarter against the Sacramento Kings guard

(23) at Target Center. Sacramento Kings win 110-107. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Keep Wiggins Happy

Kevin Garnett spent over a decade trying to bring a championship to Minnesota. Despite the difficulties this market poses, particularly for an NBA team, Garnett was as loyal as they come. He never gave up on the idea of winning with the Timberwolves until the franchise finally decided a tear down and rebuild was necessary. I will always believe the Wolves were a Sam Cassell injury away from winning the championship in 2003-04, but it was not meant to be. Still, it was a good run for the most part.

Of course, much of Garnett’s loyalty can be tied to money. The Wolves inked him to a historic 6 year, $126 million contract during the 1997-98 season that was so large, it was one of the impetuses to the changing of the league’s collective bargaining agreement. That is also where Garnett’s story diverges with another Kevin: Kevin Love. He wanted a max extension, David Kahn refused, and the clock started ticking down to Love’s departure.

We do not yet know if Wiggins will get to that level, but he has all the makings of a superstar, and those are hard to come by. The Wolves need to do everything in their power to keep him in Minnesota for as long as possible, and hopefully his whole career.

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