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Rumor: Cavs, T-Wolves, Pistons Discussing 3-Way Trade – May 29
Cleveland Cavaliers Get: 2nd overall pick, Richard Hamilton
Minnesota Timberwolves Get: 4th and 8th overall picks
Detroit Pistons Get: Cavs trade exception
Why this makes sense for Cleveland:
Since they are in a rebuilding mode, getting the top two picks in the 2011 NBA Draft helps their post-LeBron makeover. They would almost certainly take Duke point guard Kyrie Irving with the top pick and then choose between Arizona small forward Derrick Williams and center Enes Kanter of Turkey. The remaining two years, $25 million on Hamilton�s contract would likely be bought out making him a free agent, but he could actually help the team since the Cavs have a huge hole on the wing.
Why this makes sense for Minnesota:
I feel like I have said this about a David Kahn decision before, but I am really not sure how this benefits the Timberwolves. Kahn is all about loading up on assets and Minnesota would hold the fourth, eighth, and 20 picks in the draft which would just add more young talent – exactly what the franchise does not need.
I guess this trade would give Minnesota more flexibility in terms of packaging some picks in hopes of acquiring a younger veteran who can help this team right away rather than waiting on three draft selections to develop.
One thought is that the Timberwolves are very high on Bismack Biyombo, but rather than reaching for him with the second overall pick, they could trade back, still take him at four, and add another asset at eight.
Why this makes sense for Detroit:
Pistons fans would probably be outraged that they are ultimately dealing two players for cap relief. However, Hamilton was the catalyst for the off-the-court issues plaguing the Pistons this past season and is massively overpaid. Dumping his salary puts Detroit under the cap this offseason and gives them flexibility to address other areas of need. Yes, trading away the eighth pick in order to free themselves of Rip�s deal sounds like a hefty price to pay, but remember, this is a weak draft class and Detroit must not love anyone at eight if they end up pulling the trigger.
Recent NBA Draft and Offseason Blog Entries:
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2011 NBA Free Agency Signings Analysis - 12/22
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2011 NBA Free Agency Signings Analysis - 12/16
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2011 NBA Free Agency Signings Analysis - 12/14
2011 NBA Free Agency Signings Analysis - 12/10
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2011 NBA Free Agency: Allan Houston Rule - Southwest Division - 7/6
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2011 NBA Free Agency: Allan Houston Rule - Atlantic Division - 6/30
2011 NBA Free Agency: Allan Houston Rule - Central Division - 6/30
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2011 NBA Draft Trade Recaps - 6/25
2011 NBA Draft: Bobcats-Kings-Bucks Three-Way Trade - 6/24
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Rumor: Cavs, T-Wolves, Pistons Discussing 3-Way Trade - 5/29
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NFL Picks - Nov. 20
2025 NFL Mock Draft - Nov. 20
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