Minnesota Timberwolves:
The Timberwolves receive a proven rim-protecting power forward who complements KAT’s skill set perfectly. Serge Ibaka isn’t the athlete he once was but Towns’ defensive lapses can’t be overlooked. Despite his waning athleticism, Ibaka can still protect the rim and make up for KAT’s defensive mistakes. Additionally, he is a seven footer who hits the three at a solid 36.7 percent clip.
Norman Powell is an athletic shooting guard who has shown flashes of potential in big moments. While he had a tough season last year due to being pulled in and out of the rotation, Powell is a strong defender at the two spot and a nice fit along side Jeff Teague whose defensive deficiencies are well documented.
If things come to a head with Wiggins, Ferguson offers Minnesota a chance to develop a two-way player to take his place. TFerg has exceptional athletic ability and has shown flashes of hitting the long ball. Given more time, Ferguson could be Minnesota’s wing of the future.
Abdel Nader and a 2020 second-round pick (via OKC) are nothing more than throw ins for Minnesota. After being injured for much of the off-season, its confusing why OKC signed him to a deal. The pick is a sweetner to take his contract.
Minnesota receive Toronto’s 2021 first-round pick .
Toronto Raptors:
The surprise team of the off-season, the Raptors successfully traded for Leonard and Green while moving DeRozan’s remaining three years.
Butler arrives to Toronto on a loaded roster and could be the piece that pushes them over the edge. If he is indeed a one year rental, Toronto have one season to win a chip while clearing up space for next year’s free agency. Butler is a superb two-way player and next to Leonard could form one of the league’s strongest defensive partnerships.
Dieng provides the Raps depth at center and an active rebounder. While his desire to shoot the mid-range jumper isn’t part of Nick Nurse‘s offensive schemes, the 28 year-old’s jumper must be respected.
Abrines is a sharpshooter from deep and is a knockdown 3-point shooter. With one year remaining on his deal, he provides the Raps with flexibility for next year’s free agency.
OKC Thunder:
More from Thunderous Intentions
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- Should the OKC Thunder chase after a disgruntled hometown hero?
- 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
- Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
- Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder
OKC’s need for a perimeter sniper is obvious and C.J. Miles is a high volume 3-point sniper who converts at a league average rate. Miles’ ability to shoot the ball on the move, off screens and with hands in his face gives the Thunder more options on the perimeter. While his 36.1 percent stroke from range isn’t overly impressive, he possesses a quick trigger with no qualms letting it fly.
Keita Bates-Diop is a future project that needs time to develop. His physical tools and ability to defend multiple positions fits the Thunder profile and could be a future rotational piece when Russell Westbrook and PG13 exit their primes.
Final Thought
As I alluded to earlier, these trades are hypothetical. Transactions that occur in reality generally have less pieces moving with one team getting the short end of the stick. The Kawhi Leonard trade to Toronto is testament to this thought and Minnesota are unlikely to get anything near Jimmy Butler’s true value.
While OKC have no shot at acquiring Butler, they can get role players to strengthen its roster. At the moment, the four-time All Star is destined for Miami or Los Angeles.
However, anything is possible.