Be careful on that trade for Granger

The rumor is that the Minnesota Timberwolves are willing to deal the No. 2 pick in the upcoming draft, potentially to the Indiana Pacers for All-Star small forward Danny Granger.

The rumor is that it wouldn't just be the No. 2 pick that would be sent, but also Michael Beasley and the rights to Ricky Rubio.

If it is indeed that 3-for-1 for Granger, I say absolutely do not do that deal. Even if it is the No. 2 and Beasley, I'd still hesitate.

Granger is a nice player, the kind of veteran the young Wolves need, and an All-Star. But he is only a marginal All-Star, not a franchise player. In fact, you could argue that he is not worth a lot more than Beasley all by himself. The two put up nearly the same numbers this season (both about 20 points and five rebounds), though Beasley shot better than Granger (45 percent, compared to Granger's 43 percent).

Undoubtedly, Granger is a better defender than Beasley, and a more dependable citizen. But you can counter that with Beasley being younger and still improving, and also coming a lot cheaper than Granger — at least at this point of his career.

So, the Wolves better think long and hard before they pull the trigger on this one. It would be a mistake to undervalue Beasley, who just three years ago was the No. 2 guy taken in the draft. I'm all for the team getting some talented veteran help, but not at any cost.

— Pat Ruff