Just because the trade deadline is closed doesn’t mean players and their franchise can’t keep talking! Proof being, Patrick Beverley and the Wolves reached an agreement in the middle of February, in order to extend the adventure for another year. A convenient way to lock down the sequel, between a player and a franchise that have fallen a little in love with each other.
This is an infrequent move in the NBA, but we have already seen it in the past.
Indeed, as Lou Williams and the Clippers had already done, as well as the Bucks with Eric Bledsoe, Pat Bev and the Wolves shook hands so that the good story goes beyond the end of this regular season. Contractually, the leader-pitbull was in his last year, and there was therefore the possibility of seeing him approach free agency with long teeth. What could be more logical ? When you’re a veteran, loud, who has proven himself to help franchises establish an identity, and you’re not going to negotiate nice contracts until you’re 60, there’s enough to rub your hands in being a few months before the opening of the free agent market. Thereupon, when one leans towards Patoche, nothing is more obvious. But what is equally obvious on the Wolves side? It’s that this kind of player, you don’t find it every day. And that signing free agents in Minnesota…it’s a bit complicated, historically. Despite all the love we have for Minneapolis and its beautiful temperatures, let’s say that the big players do not put the Wolves at the top of their favorite destinations. It’s a shame given the current project, but the story is relentless. Suddenly, the management led by Sachin Gupta had a choice: take the risk of letting Beverley enter the market in July, or handcuff him immediately to benefit from his services for another year.
Minnesota management did not hesitate for long, since it is a 2022-23 season at 13 million dollars which has just been recorded between the player and his franchise. This already makes it possible to guarantee beautiful things in the team: the presence of Beverley with Chris Finch, and the mouths of Beverley with the young people.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Patrick Beverley has agreed to a one-year, $13 million contract extension, his agent Kevin Bradbury of @ Rep1Sports tells ESPN.
– Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 15, 2022
Sometimes loved and sometimes hated on the Clippers side, Patrick Beverley was in any case unmissable and knew how to get noticed. A simple agitator? Overrated for his defense? Or a player not appreciated enough for what he brings to the intangibles, in those unquantifiables that make the difference? Faced with these questions, the Wolves decided to make a bet. We’re missing a real jailbird who can ring bells and clean up corners in the franchise, so might as well give the veteran point guard a chance. Since this choice, everything has changed for Minnesota. Well beyond his individual statistics (9 points and 5 assists on average), Beverley has simply become the guarantor of Wolves’ new identity. We marvel at the actions of Anthony Edwards, we debate the ranking of Karl-Anthony Towns among the great shooters, we appreciate the progress of D’Angelo Russell in a register of true leader, but in the end the one who really set the record straight, it’s Pat. Part of one of the most successful lineups in the entire NBA this season with Minnesota executives, Beverley has made sure things change at KAT and company. Let this image of a wobbly, nice, and capable of being walked on franchise disappear. It’s simple, when we look back on the major movements of last summer, the acquisition of Patrick Beverley is now very well ranked. And that’s what makes this extension obvious. It also prevents the leader from stuffing himself with free-agency, which is a nice period to test his worth… but why bother when you have $13 million guaranteed on the table five months earlier? Wolves will therefore be able to take advantage of Pat’s presence and services, hoping that the good beginnings of the start of the season will give way to a return to the Playoffs, and even more intriguing progress next season.
This is great news for Minnesota fans, and a good choice on the part of Patrick Beverley. Sometimes it’s no use wondering if the grass is greener elsewhere. With a role perfectly cut out for him, Wolves who need his DNA and a group that wants to progress, Pat will continue the adventure for another year and that should promise us some very salty mouthfuls. Good for the wolves!
Sources : ESPN