Trade Ideas and Proposals (Week 3)

OK, this is a little far fetched as these types of blockbuster trades rarely happen during the season but....

http://www.espn.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=zlvknnf

Why the Wolves do it: Thompson gives them a big body down low that they've been lacking and can help with low post D and rebounding. Right now it feels like we're getting killed every night by more physical players. It's also clear the FO isn't attached to Rubio seeing as his name has been mentioned in trade rumors for the past, what, three years? More? After the Dunn pick the writing is on the wall, and that's hard for me to say as I'm a big Rubio fan. I see a lot of people mentioning Ibaka's name as a possible target but I don't really get the fascination. I'd take the starter and worry about getting the best free agent available instead of NEEDING a PF going into the offseason.

Why the Cavs do it: It's all about matching up with Golden State. Carmelo is a better physical match for Durant and when they go with their death lineup, this gives the Cavs a lot of ways to counter. LeBron is also antsy for a big shake up and this would certainly fit the bill. Losing Thompson and Love would be hard for their frontline, but the Wolves could maybe kick in Hill for one of their trade exceptions. I dunno. The Rubio part is to shore up their second unit. They're stacked with three point shooters on their bench and Rubio is great and driving and finding the open man in the corner.

Why the Knicks do it: Carmelo's no trade clause severely limits the number of options the Knicks have if they want to get any value for him. The Clippers aren't parting with Blake or (likely) DeAndre and outside of them it's hard to find another team that makes sense on either a basketball level or a financial level. Love would also I think pair well with Porzingis as he's a young rim protecting big. That's exactly the kind of player Love would theoretically have great synergy with. Also, it'd be easier to sell the NYC media on getting back Love for Carmelo than Austin Rivers and JJ Redick.

/r/timberwolves Thread