Omri Casspi might have been the second- or third-best player in the trade that sent DeMarcus Cousins from the Sacramento Kings to the New Orleans Pelicans. Unfortunately for both Casspi and the Pelicans, he broke his thumb in his first game for New Orleans.
That forced the Pelicans to waive Casspi, who then was able to shop around for another team.
Now, it appears Casspi has found a team willing to take him on. According to ESPN, the sharpshooting wing is close to a deal to join the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Via Twitter:
Omri Casspi is closing on a deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves, according to league sources
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) March 19, 2017
Boston had also joined the Casspi race, league sources say, but the Wolves are poised to win out after losing Zach LaVine, then Bjelica.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) March 19, 2017
Tom Thibodeau made a personal recruiting pitch to Omri Casspi over dinner in New Orleans before the Wolves play there tonight, sources say
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) March 19, 2017
Casspi would replace the gap left by Zach LaVine, who tore his ACL, and Nemanja Bjelica, who is out for the season with a foot injury.
It’s interesting that Casspi isn’t closing a deal with a playoff team. You would think his skill set would be better suited to a team looking to add the final firepower they need for a deep postseason run.
Perhaps Casspi sees an opportunity for more playing time in Minnesota, given their need for players of his caliber and the open opportunity due to injury.
