20 best NBA Draft trades ever
By John Buhler
11. Kevin Love from Memphis Grizzlies to Minnesota Timberwolves.
While he has now been marginalized in a role that frankly doesn’t suit him with LeBron James’ Cavaliers, power forward Kevin Love at one time was a top 10 player in the NBA and the star player of the Timberwolves.
Love came to Minnesota as part of a draft day deal with the Grizzlies for USC Trojans star wing O.J. Mayo. Love and Mayo were part of a blockbuster trade that sent Love to the Timberwolves and Mayo to the Grizzlies.
Mayo wouldn’t be more than a role player on a mediocre team since going No. 3 to Minnesota in the 2008 NBA Draft. Love made three All-Star teams for the Timberwolves after initially going No. 5 to Memphis.
With Love later being swapped for 2014’s No. 1 overall pick Andrew Wiggins with Cleveland, the Cavaliers stretch four has been a huge part in two of the last decade’s biggest trades. Minnesota has so far won both deals involving Love since 2008.
Next: 10. LaMarcus Aldridge from Chicago Bulls to Portland Trail Blazers.