2. Kris Dunn, Zach LaVine and Lauri Markkanen to Chicago for Jimmy Butler and Justin Patton.
This might be the best trade in team history. However, it comes in at number two on this list.
The going rate for NBA stars proved to be less than expected this offseason. Both Butler and Paul George were had for what appeared to be under-market value.
Minnesota gave up a disappointing Kris Dunn, vastly improved, but recovering from an ACL injury Zach LaVine and the seventh overall pick in exchange for the three-time All Star Jimmy Butler and the 16th overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft.
Dunn was expected to be one of the most NBA ready rookies going into last season. However, the opposite proved to be true. He struggled mightily in all areas and only averaged 3.8 points and 2.4 assists per game. He’s already 23 years old and his once bright future remains a question mark.
LaVine is supposed to be the prize of this trade. He was having a breakout year in 2016-17, averaging 18.9 points per game and shooting 38.7 percent from downtown. Unfortunately, he sustained a major knee injury and missed the rest of the season. For a player who relies so heavily on his elite athleticism, his recovery will be essential to his comeback.
Markkanen has raised a lot of question marks since being drafted with the seventh pick. Fans appear to be torn about his game and whether or not he will have an impact in the seasons-to-come. His growth and development will definitely impact how this trade is viewed in the future.
Butler is at the height of his powers. The 28-year-old has improved his scoring and playmaking abilities seemingly every season since he entered the league. He’s already a top ten two-way player, but at the rate he’s going he could continue to rise up that list.
Patton was basically a throw-in pick who could end up making a difference. He’s trying to overcome a foot injury that has sidelined him for the Summer, but if he does that he could have a meaningful impact on this team.
Acquiring an All-Star and only having to move down nine picks in the draft, not a bad trade at all.