Although it was no secret that Milwaukee Bucks owner Herb Kohl was in financial trouble due the economic recession, some of the Bucks’ off-season moves raised some eyebrows. Most importantly, the franchise opted to trade Richard Jefferson to the San Antonio Spurs for little more than cap relief.

While Jefferson’s 19.6 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game will sorely be missed next season, the franchise did very little to compensate their loss. More specifically, GM John Hammond sent Amir Johnson and Sonny Weems to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for Carlos Delfino and Roko Ukic. Even though Delfino has proven to be solid contributor off the bench, he looks like a big question mark starting at the small forward position. To make things even worse, the Bucks decided not to match the Minnesota Timberwolves’ offer for young point guard Ramon Sessions. Thus, Sessions will be playing in Minnesota in 2009-10 after signing a four-year contract worth approximately $16 million. Last year, the 23-year old guard averaged 12.4 points, 5.7 assists and 3.4 rebounds in 27 minutes per contest. Given the fact that it was just his second season in the league, it appears to be a justified assumption that he will continue to elevate his game over the next years.

In contrast, the Timberwolves do now have a promising point-guard tandem for years to come. With third overall pick Johnny Flynn and Ramon Sessions sharing minutes at the point guard position, the franchise might have dodged a bullet after Ricky Rubio refused to come to the NBA and signed a six-year deal in Spain. Similarly, the Wolves’ front-court features three talented young men with franchise centerpiece Al Jefferson, sophomore Kevin Love and high-flyer Ryan Hollins. Nonetheless, the team appears to be fairly thin on the wings and will probably need some time to mature. Therefore, it appears to be highly unlikely that head coach Kurt Rambis team will be in the playoff race in 2009-10, but the franchise’s rebuilding process might have taken another step forward.

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