20 best NBA Draft trades ever

11 May 2001: Kobe Bryant
11 May 2001: Kobe Bryant /
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Mar 28, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Love (42) runs on the court in the first half against the Los Angeles Lakers at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 28, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Love (42) runs on the court in the first half against the Los Angeles Lakers at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

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.