Minnesota Sports Forum

TheGrey08 wrote: ↑Tue Jun 30, 2026 2:55 pm

Shams Charania
BREAKING: The Los Angeles Clippers are nearing deal sending Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, 2 first-round picks, 1 pick swap and 2 second-rounders, sources tell ESPN. A return to Canada for the Raptors champion and two-time Finals MVP.

Yet another big trade.

60WinTim wrote: ↑Tue Jun 30, 2026 6:46 pm Is it just me, or has free agency started off slow? I blame LeBron...

Lipoli390 wrote: ↑Tue Jun 30, 2026 5:55 pm

TheGrey08 wrote: ↑Tue Jun 30, 2026 2:55 pm

Shams Charania
BREAKING: The Los Angeles Clippers are nearing deal sending Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, 2 first-round picks, 1 pick swap and 2 second-rounders, sources tell ESPN. A return to Canada for the Raptors champion and two-time Finals MVP.

Yet another big trade.

Comparing our deal for LaMelo to this deal for Kawhi should make Wolves fans feel better about the value we got relative to what we gave up. We gave up Naz Reid, one unprotected 1st seven years from now, three pick swaps and three second round picks. Toronto gave up Brandon Ingram, two unprotected 1st round picks (2030 & 2033), one pick swap (2030) and two future 2nd round picks. Here’s how I compare the two deals:

1. I consider the 28-year old Brandon Ingram a better player than the 26/27 year old Naz Reid right now. Naz might prove to be better if he becomes the player I think he can be but not a lot better than Brandon if at all. So I’d say the player Toronto gave up has more trade value the player we gave up. Slight to moderate advantage to Minnnesota.

2. Giving up two unprotected first round picks is certainly more than the one distant 1st we gave up for Ball. Advantage to Minnesota.

3. Toronto only gave up one pick swaps compared to our three but pick swaps are relatively meaningless for the Wolves given how good we’re likely to be in the likely in at least two of those three years with Ball, Edwards, Jaden and Ayo under contract and also considering the new lottery rules. Toronto’s 2030 pick could be worth a lot in a swap because Kawhi will be long gone by then. I’d call this even with maybe a slight edge to Toronto v. Minnesota.

4. Toronto gave up two second round picks compared to our three. Slight edge to Toronto

5. Toronto received an established superstar who already has a ring. But Kawhi is 35 years old with only one year on his contract and maybe a year or two as a player before he exhibits the typical precipitous decline experienced by most NBA players after their mid 30s. Minnesota received an elite offensive player and former rookie of the year who is still only 24 years old and could become a great player. Compared to Kawhi, Ball can improve and has a longer trajectory to help the acquiring team. Both players have durability/availability issues. I’d give a slight edge to Minnesota.

Mnwild1128 wrote: ↑Tue Jun 30, 2026 8:14 pm

Lipoli390 wrote: ↑Tue Jun 30, 2026 5:55 pm

TheGrey08 wrote: ↑Tue Jun 30, 2026 2:55 pm
Yet another big trade.

Comparing our deal for LaMelo to this deal for Kawhi should make Wolves fans feel better about the value we got relative to what we gave up. We gave up Naz Reid, one unprotected 1st seven years from now, three pick swaps and three second round picks. Toronto gave up Brandon Ingram, two unprotected 1st round picks (2030 & 2033), one pick swap (2030) and two future 2nd round picks. Here’s how I compare the two deals:

1. I consider the 28-year old Brandon Ingram a better player than the 26/27 year old Naz Reid right now. Naz might prove to be better if he becomes the player I think he can be but not a lot better than Brandon if at all. So I’d say the player Toronto gave up has more trade value the player we gave up. Slight to moderate advantage to Minnnesota.

2. Giving up two unprotected first round picks is certainly more than the one distant 1st we gave up for Ball. Advantage to Minnesota.

3. Toronto only gave up one pick swaps compared to our three but pick swaps are relatively meaningless for the Wolves given how good we’re likely to be in the likely in at least two of those three years with Ball, Edwards, Jaden and Ayo under contract and also considering the new lottery rules. Toronto’s 2030 pick could be worth a lot in a swap because Kawhi will be long gone by then. I’d call this even with maybe a slight edge to Toronto v. Minnesota.

4. Toronto gave up two second round picks compared to our three. Slight edge to Toronto

5. Toronto received an established superstar who already has a ring. But Kawhi is 35 years old with only one year on his contract and maybe a year or two as a player before he exhibits the typical precipitous decline experienced by most NBA players after their mid 30s. Minnesota received an elite offensive player and former rookie of the year who is still only 24 years old and could become a great player. Compared to Kawhi, Ball can improve and has a longer trajectory to help the acquiring team. Both players have durability/availability issues. I’d give a slight edge to Minnesota.

How dare you leave dick in a hole like that!