Trade 5: Minnesota
No one actually wants to play in Minnesota, but the chance to play with Karl-Anthony Towns and Jimmy Butler has Irving’s attention. On the flip side, Minnesota is thinking twice about paying Wiggins the max. No problem, the Suns can help make everyone’s wishes come true. The Cavs get two young contributors right away, the Wolves soften the loss of Wiggins with Warren plus the ability to flip Teague for more help.
Losing Warren hurts Phoenix, but the chance to capitalize on Cleveland’s pick after LeBron leaves could make this a big win. Minnesota will likly lose a number of key players by 2021. It’s a risk to be sure, but if it pays off, it could be a handsome reward. If nothing else, Dieng is a nice trade piece on a very affordable four year deal. You get three picks with a chance at a fourth in exchange for Bled and Warren? That’s worth the trade.
Cleveland Receives – Eric Bledsoe and Andrew Wiggins
Minnesota Receives – Kyrie Irving and T.J. Warren
Phoenix Receives – Cole Aldrich, Gorgui Dieng, 2019 Minnesota pick (no protection), 2020 Cleveland pick (top-3 protected), 2021 Minnesota pick (no protection)