NBA Trade Rumors: Four Bold Deals that Would Help the Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves have a lot cap room-- more than $11 million to be precise.
Therefore, mega deals are a possibility.
Although these trades are not probable, know that they have all been through the ESPN Trade Machine, and therefore are possible.
Keep in mind when you read these that obviously they are all separate, and therefore executing multiple deals is a sheer impossibility.
With all that in mind, I would like to personally thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy!
Trade 1: Acquire Raymond Felton from the New York Knicks
1 of 4
Minnesota receives:
PG Raymond Felton
PF Jason Maxiell
New York receives:
PG Rodney Stuckey
C Anthony Tolliver
Detroit receives:
PG Luke Ridnour
C Timofey Mosgov
This trade is basically a switch-a-roo with three point guards.
The Timberwolves would receive the best point guard in the deal in Raymond Felton. Jason Maxiell would provide some much needed insurance at the power forward position and would bring a lot of defensive energy to the squad.
The Knicks would acquire Rodney Stuckey, a score-first point guard who would feed the rock to guys like Wilson Chandler and Amar'e Stoudemire. Anthony Tolliver would give the Big Apple's team some depth at the center position.
The Pistons would in turn snag Luke Ridnour, a gritty veteran who can help win them games in addition to shoot. Timofey Mosgov would immediately contend at center. Detroit also gets rid of Maxiell's lagging contract in this swap.
The starting lineup in Minnesota would look as follows:
PG Raymond Felton
SG Wesley Johnson
SF Michael Beasley
PF Kevin Love
C Darko Milicic
Trade 2: Acquire Andrew Bynum from the Los Angeles Lakers
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Minnesota receives:
C Andrew Bynum
PG Shannon Brown
Los Angeles receives:
C Darko Milicic
PG Luke Ridnour
This trade would help both sides of the deal, as ESPN Trade Machine has projected a one-win increase for both clubs if the trade is made.
The Timberwolves would get one of the best young talents in the NBA in Andrew Bynum, and additionally would receive the rights for Shannon Brown, one of the most underappreciated players in the NBA.
This trade would help the Lakers defensively, as Darko Milicic is an upgrade over Bynum. Luke Ridnour would immediately contend at the starting point guard position, as Derek Fisher starts seemingly only out of respect.
The starting lineup in Minnesota would be as follows:
PG Jonny Flynn
SG Wesley Johnson
SF Michael Beasley
PF Kevin Love
C Andrew Bynum
Trade 3: Acquire Brook Lopez from the New Jersey Nets
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Minnesota receives:
C Brook Lopez
PG Jordan Farmar
C Johan Petro
New Jersey receives:
C Darko Milicic
SF Wesley Johnson
PF Anthony Tolliver
Minnesota's 2nd round pick in the 2011 draft
Minnesota receives a legitimate center in Brook Lopez, and in turn the Nets get Darko Milicic, a swat master that would fit in well with the offense. Throw in Wesley Johnson, who probably would start for the Nets immediately, and you have yourself a deal.
The starting lineup in Minnesota would be as follows:
PG Luke Ridnour
SG Corey Brewer
SF Michael Beasley
PF Kevin Love
C Brook Lopez
Trade 4: Acquire Dwight Howard from the Orlando Magic
4 of 4
Minnesota receives:
C Dwight Howard
PG Jameer Nelson
Orlando receives:
C Nene Hilario
SG Corey Brewer
PG Luke Ridnour
Minnesota's first round pick in the 2012 draft
Denver receives:
SG Kevin Martin
C Darko Milicic
Houston receives:
PF Brandon Bass
SG Aaron Afflalo
PG Jonny Flynn
SF Wesley Johnson
Minnesota's 1st round pick in the 2011 draft
Well, this would be the biggest blockbuster trade in years. In the unlikelihood that it would actually happen, all four teams would win in this mega deal. In all honesty, there would be pigs flying before this trade went through.
Minnesota wins obviously because of Dwight Howard. Howard, the best center in the league, automatically makes Minnesota sport the best frontcourt in the NBA. Minnesota would become a legitimate contender overnight.
The Timberwolves also pick up Jameer Nelson, and he would see the starting lineup from day one.
Orlando wins because they improve on the defensive side of the ball. They get the poor man's Dwight Howard in Nene, and add a couple solid role players as well. They also receive the Timberwolves' first round pick in the 2012 NBA Draft.
Denver might get the best deal out of any team. They get rid of Aaron Afflalo and get the sharpshooter Kevin Martin, as well as receive Darko Milicic, a blocking phenom.
Houston wins because they add Brandon Bass and instantly gain frontcourt depth.
Bass is a great defender, and Aaron Afflalo is not that much of a loss when matched up against Kevin Martin.
Most importantly, they receive Minnesota's first round pick. Granted, it might not be top-three protected, but it's worth the risk.
The starting lineup in Minnesota would be as follows:
PG Jameer Nelson
SG Wayne Ellington
SF Michael Beasley
PF Kevin Love
C Dwight Howard
