Minnesota Timberwolves: 15 best trades in franchise history

15. 2010 second-round pick to Philadelphia for Calvin Booth, Rodney Carney, cash and 2010 first-round pick.

In the summer of 2008, Elton Brand was the hottest free agent on the market. His interest in the Philadelphia 76ers was widely known which is why Wolves’ VP of Basketball Operations Kevin McHale took advantage of it.

In order for Philadelphia to create the necessary cap room to sign Brand, they needed to offload some of their players.

Minnesota swooped in and sent their 2010 second (Top-55 protected) in exchange for two players, money and a protected first-rounder. They never ended up sending the pick which means they basically got a first for free.

The then 32-year-old Booth only appeared in one game before being traded to the Sacramento Kings. He’d retire at the end of the season.

Carney also only played one season in Minnesota before signing back with the 76ers in September of the following year. He averaged a career-high 7.2 points in 17.9 minutes per game with Minnesota.

The 23rd pick of the 2010 draft (Trevor Booker) was the result of the first-rounder. He was immediately shipped on draft day to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Nemanja Bjelica and Lazar Hayward. Bjelica is still on the team today and figures to be a role-player in the upcoming season.

Even though this trade didn’t net a huge return, it still exemplifies the importance of valuing every move and getting the most out of your return.