If the Wolves' main goal in not becoming "sellers" at Thursday's trade deadline was trying to gear up for a strong finish and possible long-shot playoff push, that notion evaporated about 36 hours later at the conclusion of an 0-3 road trip Friday at New Orleans.
It's possible, though, that economic realities were just as important to their lack of activity. Deals the Wolves likely would have been able to pull off at the deadline involving veterans on expiring contracts might have involved getting back players under contract for next season in addition to a future asset like a second-round pick.