Dunking With Wolves
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Minnesota Timberwolves: 15 best trades in franchise history

By Brian Sampson

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MARCH 25: Head coach Flip Saunders talks with Sean KilpatrickPhoto by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MARCH 25: Head coach Flip Saunders talks with Sean KilpatrickPhoto by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS – FEBRUARY 12: Isaiah ‘JR’ Rider of the Minnesota Timberwolves attempts a slam dunk during the 1994 Slam Dunk Contest on February 12, 1994 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1994 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS – FEBRUARY 12: Isaiah ‘JR’ Rider of the Minnesota Timberwolves attempts a slam dunk during the 1994 Slam Dunk Contest on February 12, 1994 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1994 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

13. Isaiah Rider to Portland for Bill Curley, James Robinson and 1997 first-round pick.

This was a classic move of addition by subtraction.

Yes, Isaiah Rider averaged 19.6 points per game during his last season with Minnesota. But his off the court incidents were racking up. And quickly. A week before the trade he was arrested on a misdemeanor charge of gambling in public. His third offense in a month.  Rider went on to have a solid couple of years in Portland, but the off the court antics were always there.

In exchange, Minnesota received a seldom-used Bill Curley, a one-year rental in James Robinson and what resulted in the 20th pick in the 1997 NBA Draft.

Curley played sparingly throughout his two seasons in Minnesota. He appeared in only 46 games, starting eight of them. He also only averaged 2.4 points and 1.7 rebounds.

Robinson fared slightly better during his lone season. He put up averages of 8.3 points, 1.8 assists and 1.6 rebounds per contest.

The second-biggest prize (other than getting rid of Rider) at the time was acquiring a draft pick in either 1997 or 1998. The Trail Blazers had the option of deciding which year it would be relayed at.

Ultimately, they decided the 1997 draft was the answer and they passed on the 20th overall selection. Paul Grant was drafted at that position, which is a different story for a different day.

In the end, ridding themselves of the troubled Rider was the best move the franchise could’ve made. They began their eight-year run of playoff appearances that very season.

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