Minnesota Timberwolves:
This trade addresses all area’s of need for the Timberwolves. Patrick Beverley is a hard-nosed defender whose developed a reliable 3-point shot (career 37.6 percent). Despite standing just 6’1 tall, he plays hard and adds mongrel to a soft Minnesota outfit.
Tobias Harris is a hybrid forward capable of playing the three and four spots. Averaging 18.6 points last season, Harris is a reliable scorer who had a career year beyond the arc last season, shooting an impressive 41.1 percent. Additionally, he is a steady defender who can guard wings and modern day power forwards.
Depending on how healthy he is, Danilo Gallinari could be a key contributor or a financial anchor. When healthy, the Italian is a skilled scorer, decent passer and a solid 3-point shooter (36.7 percent). He can catch fire in a hurry and score buckets in bunches, adding cover at small forward and power forward.
Ferguson satisfies the Wolves desire for a player of the future. He has potential as a two-way player and at 21 years-old, could develop into a solid player in the future.
Minnesota receives a 2019 first-round pick from the Clippers. Depending on how the Clippers go this season, it has the chance to fall inside the lottery.
Los Angeles Clippers:
With the Clippers original big three of Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan now a distant memory, Steve Ballmer and co. must rebuild the franchise. Hell-bent on competing, LAC are looking for that star to build around.
Butler finally arrives to a large market and the Clippers receive a top 15 NBA player. Jimmy buckets gives LA a go to scorer in clutch situations and elite perimeter defender who can be relied upon to take the toughest defensive assignment. Butler also gives the Clippers an asset that can attract a top free agent in next years loaded free agency class.
Dieng is a productive big man with a decent mid-range jumper and solid rebounding numbers in limited minutes. With Marcin Gortat and Boban Marjanovic already in the rotation, the 28 year-old offers an opposing skill set should the Clippers elect to go small.
Abrines provides LA with a legitimate spot-up shooter from range. While he is yet to display maturity in other parts of his game, he is a reliable threat from deep.
OKC Thunder:
Lou Williams is a professional scorer who gets buckets. Oklahoma City have not had a legitimate scorer since the departure of James Harden and the Thunder need a go to scoring threat on the perimeter. Sweet Lou can do it all – get to the rim, shoot from mid-range, hit from deep and is on one of the most economical contracts in the NBA. When the offense gets bogged down, Williams can create his own offense and carry a team when its struggling.
Keita Bates-Diop is a future project that needs time to develop. His physical tools fit the Oklahoma City profile and could turn out to be one of the steals of the 2018 draft.