Trade Talk (Part 17): Early Offseason Planning

[Domejandro]

So I was trying to spitball a trade that included us in the Durant trade but had him going elsewhere as he apparently prefers. Full disclaimer, I'm not sure I even like this trade but I thought it was interesting enough to post regardless.

PHO out; Kevin Durant
PHO in; Rudy Gobert, Donte DiVincenzo, #26 (from BRK)

MIA out; Andrew Wiggins, Duncan Robinson, Kelel Ware, #20
MIA in; Kevin Durant

MIN out; Rudy Gobert, Donte DiVincenzo, Julius Randle, #17
MIN in; Andrew Wiggins, Nic Claxton, Duncan Robinson, Kelel Ware, #20

BRK out; Nic Claxton, #26
BRK in; Julius Randle, #17

The big reason why we haven’t seen Kevin Durant sent to Miami yet is that they haven’t included Kel’el Ware.

[Norseman79]

So I was trying to spitball a trade that included us in the Durant trade but had him going elsewhere as he apparently prefers. Full disclaimer, I'm not sure I even like this trade but I thought it was interesting enough to post regardless.

PHO out; Kevin Durant
PHO in; Rudy Gobert, Donte DiVincenzo, #26 (from BRK)

MIA out; Andrew Wiggins, Duncan Robinson, Kelel Ware, #20
MIA in; Kevin Durant

MIN out; Rudy Gobert, Donte DiVincenzo, Julius Randle, #17
MIN in; Andrew Wiggins, Nic Claxton, Duncan Robinson, Kelel Ware, #20

BRK out; Nic Claxton, #26
BRK in; Julius Randle, #17


MIA gets Durant without trading either of their 2 current "stars". Phoenix gets a win now package along with a pick. Brooklyn use some of their capspace and Claxton to move up in the draft (I'd expect a further follow up trade to move higher).

For us the idea would be to continue resetting around Ant. Ware offers a long term Rudy replacement along with Claxton. Robinson is expiring and Wiggins only has 1 more year on his deal (and could be swapped out for Rozier if we preferred an expiring), while still being productive. We also only move down 3 spots in the draft and its roughly salary neutral with Wiggins and saves about 1.5mil with Rozier instead.

The reason I'm not keen on it is that it's a significant talent drop and if the goal is to get back to the WCF and beyond then it's going to rely a LOT on the growth of guys like TSJ, Dillingham and Ware. But a rough lineup afterwards could be;

[With Wiggins]
Conley, Dillingham
Ant, NAW (? This would allow room to sign him) or Clarke
Wiggins, TSJ
McDaniels, Claxton
Reid, Ware

[With Rozier]
Conley, Dillingham
Ant, Clarke
McDaniels, TSJ
Reid
Claxton, Ware

I like to trade with Rozier best as it is clean roster wise. Plus Terry might give more than we think at PG. I think there are prospects in this draft that I would prefer to Ware, but that's splitting hairs. At 20 grab best PF prospect and let it rip, I still take Kalkbrenner if he is there at 31.

[minimus]

Bane and his 40 mil AAV was traded for 5 picks. DDV and his 12 mil AAV is an absolute bargain. Not only he was playing out of position, but also cleaned up A LOT of defensive mistakes of Reid and Randle, including rebounds.

[younggunsmn]

You guys have got to stop proposing even remotely smart trades.
Tim Connelly is running the team.
Add 2 extra first round drafts picks or young cheap talented players outgoing from the Timberwolves to any offer you are proposing.

[younggunsmn]

So I was trying to spitball a trade that included us in the Durant trade but had him going elsewhere as he apparently prefers. Full disclaimer, I'm not sure I even like this trade but I thought it was interesting enough to post regardless.

PHO out; Kevin Durant
PHO in; Rudy Gobert, Donte DiVincenzo, #26 (from BRK)

MIA out; Andrew Wiggins, Duncan Robinson, Kelel Ware, #20
MIA in; Kevin Durant

MIN out; Rudy Gobert, Donte DiVincenzo, Julius Randle, #17
MIN in; Andrew Wiggins, Nic Claxton, Duncan Robinson, Kelel Ware, #20

BRK out; Nic Claxton, #26
BRK in; Julius Randle, #17

The big reason why we haven’t seen Kevin Durant sent to Miami yet is that they haven’t included Kel’el Ware.

Well that and nobody wants Andrew Wiggins or his contract.
I don't get why players would pick the Heat besides the prestige of the city and their coach.
The roster really kinda sucks outside of Bam Adebayo and they have no decent PG.

[Norseman79]

So I was trying to spitball a trade that included us in the Durant trade but had him going elsewhere as he apparently prefers. Full disclaimer, I'm not sure I even like this trade but I thought it was interesting enough to post regardless.

PHO out; Kevin Durant
PHO in; Rudy Gobert, Donte DiVincenzo, #26 (from BRK)

MIA out; Andrew Wiggins, Duncan Robinson, Kelel Ware, #20
MIA in; Kevin Durant

MIN out; Rudy Gobert, Donte DiVincenzo, Julius Randle, #17
MIN in; Andrew Wiggins, Nic Claxton, Duncan Robinson, Kelel Ware, #20

BRK out; Nic Claxton, #26
BRK in; Julius Randle, #17

The big reason why we haven’t seen Kevin Durant sent to Miami yet is that they haven’t included Kel’el Ware.

Well that and nobody wants Andrew Wiggins or his contract.
I don't get why players would pick the Heat besides the prestige of the city and their coach.
The roster really kinda sucks outside of Bam Adebayo and they have no decent PG.

What's income tax like in Florida?

[Norseman79]

Sounds like there is some value in guys like Randle and DD.... Completely hypothetical, do you think they plus the 17 would be enough to get the 3 pick?

[Slim Tubby]

The big reason why we haven’t seen Kevin Durant sent to Miami yet is that they haven’t included Kel’el Ware.

Well that and nobody wants Andrew Wiggins or his contract.
I don't get why players would pick the Heat besides the prestige of the city and their coach.
The roster really kinda sucks outside of Bam Adebayo and they have no decent PG.

What's income tax like in Florida?

There is no state income tax in Florida, similar to Texas and a few other states.

It's a distinct "recruiting" advantage for their professional sports teams. On a $40M/year contract, that roughly equates to an extra $3.2M per year in take home salary compared to playing in a state like Minnesota.

Interestingly enough, the states that have no income tax are also the ones that get the most Federal assistance to help pay their bills. That is a discussion for a different board...and I despise politics.

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[Domejandro]

Bane and his 40 mil AAV was traded for 5 picks. DDV and his 12 mil AAV is an absolute bargain. Not only he was playing out of position, but also cleaned up A LOT of defensive mistakes of Reid and Randle, including rebounds.

I feel like I have to be the buzzkill, people are DRASTICALLY overestimating Donte DiVincenzo’s value in this thread.

The dude averaged 11.7/3.7/3.6 on 42/40/78 splits during the regular season and 8.7/3.1/3.3 on 37/32/77 splits in the Playoffs. The gap between him and a player like Desmond Bane is immense, apples to oranges.

He still clearly has positive value because he is locked up for two seasons, but we are talking a pick in the teens and cap space type of value, nothing crazy.

[shrink]

Lonzo Ball can’t be traded until August 6, because he signed his extension Feb 6, and CBA rules are six months ineligible.

This delay after free agency may cause teams, including the Wolves,to play it safe and make other choices earlier.

[Danimals]

I’m definitely not see the DDV others see. To me he’s an undersized shooting guard, great but streaky shooter, who often plays out of control leading to easily avoidable turnovers and too much gambling on defense that does generate steals, but also breaks the defensive shell. He has irrational confidence and probably thinks he’s better than he is. And he is not a point guard at all. I love him as a 6th man, especially in an uptempo second unit. He will likely be over paid on his next contract, but great value right now.

[moss_is_1]

I do think Donte is a good player, ideally a bench guy and 3rd guard but could be a starter with the right team. Having him handle the ball so much last session was not his strong suit though. He should be a spot up go who can occasionally attack and run a few pick and rolls. He's someone who at least tries to defend and rebound though.

[Ethomasp31]

Bane and his 40 mil AAV was traded for 5 picks. DDV and his 12 mil AAV is an absolute bargain. Not only he was playing out of position, but also cleaned up A LOT of defensive mistakes of Reid and Randle, including rebounds.

I feel like I have to be the buzzkill, people are DRASTICALLY overestimating Donte DiVincenzo’s value in this thread.

The dude averaged 11.7/3.7/3.6 on 42/40/78 splits during the regular season and 8.7/3.1/3.3 on 37/32/77 splits in the Playoffs. The gap between him and a player like Desmond Bane is immense, apples to oranges.

He still clearly has positive value because he is locked up for two seasons, but we are talking a pick in the teens and cap space type of value, nothing crazy.

Good God....Bane is making over 3 times more than DDV the next two seasons. Yeah I get it....DDV isn't as good as Luka either. But he is a bargain at his salary.

[Ethomasp31]

I’m definitely not see the DDV others see. To me he’s an undersized shooting guard, great but streaky shooter, who often plays out of control leading to easily avoidable turnovers and too much gambling on defense that does generate steals, but also breaks the defensive shell. He has irrational confidence and probably thinks he’s better than he is. And he is not a point guard at all. I love him as a 6th man, especially in an uptempo second unit. He will likely be over paid on his next contract, but great value right now.

His next contract is three years away....why are you bringing up what he will be paid in three years? Naz could very well be over paid in next contract too...and that will be next year.

[Danimals]

I’m definitely not see the DDV others see. To me he’s an undersized shooting guard, great but streaky shooter, who often plays out of control leading to easily avoidable turnovers and too much gambling on defense that does generate steals, but also breaks the defensive shell. He has irrational confidence and probably thinks he’s better than he is. And he is not a point guard at all. I love him as a 6th man, especially in an uptempo second unit. He will likely be over paid on his next contract, but great value right now.

His next contract is three years away....why are you bringing up what he will be paid in three years? Naz could very well be over paid in next contract too...and that will be next year.

In the same sentence I said I think he is a great value now (on his current deal). I like him as a 6th man, but he’s far from untouchable. Additionally, if Dilly and TSJ get actual consistent minutes next year, I’d much prefer NAW slotting in between them on the bench over DDV.

More important to me than any of these bench guys is moving Randle for assets or better fitting players. He is a good player, but poor fit with Ant. I do not want him as part of our core moving forward.

[theGreatRC]

How can we get Quickley here?

[Slim Tubby]

How can we get Quickley here?

Hopefully, as Slowly as possible.

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[minimus]

Bane and his 40 mil AAV was traded for 5 picks. DDV and his 12 mil AAV is an absolute bargain. Not only he was playing out of position, but also cleaned up A LOT of defensive mistakes of Reid and Randle, including rebounds.

I feel like I have to be the buzzkill, people are DRASTICALLY overestimating Donte DiVincenzo’s value in this thread.

The dude averaged 11.7/3.7/3.6 on 42/40/78 splits during the regular season and 8.7/3.1/3.3 on 37/32/77 splits in the Playoffs. The gap between him and a player like Desmond Bane is immense, apples to oranges.

He still clearly has positive value because he is locked up for two seasons, but we are talking a pick in the teens and cap space type of value, nothing crazy.

Good God....Bane is making over 3 times more than DDV the next two seasons. Yeah I get it....DDV isn't as good as Luka either. But he is a bargain at his salary.

I think fans will start to appreciate Donte DiVincenzo (DDV) more once the next wave of massive NBA contracts hits.

For example, if MIN were to trade for De’Aaron Fox, they could offer him a four-year, $229 million max extension as early as August 2025. That’s an enormous financial commitment — and the challenge becomes clear: for every Fox-level deal, you need to balance the roster with high-effort, low-cost role players.

In a vacuum, I’m not a huge fan of Fox’s fit in Minnesota, especially at that projected salary. But — and it’s a big but — if Tim Connelly can somehow land Fox without giving up DDV, McDaniels, Clark, or TJ (basically all of MIN’s bargain contracts), then I can see a viable path where Fox works as the starting PG.

A backcourt of Edwards–Fox–DDV–Clark is fast, aggressive, and defensively active. Cost of this backcourt in 2025-26: 45+37+12+2 = 96 mil. That’s a solid foundation, especially if paired with the right frontcourt pieces. Gobert+ McDaniels = 35+24 = 69 millions

[Domejandro]

Bane and his 40 mil AAV was traded for 5 picks. DDV and his 12 mil AAV is an absolute bargain. Not only he was playing out of position, but also cleaned up A LOT of defensive mistakes of Reid and Randle, including rebounds.

I feel like I have to be the buzzkill, people are DRASTICALLY overestimating Donte DiVincenzo’s value in this thread.

The dude averaged 11.7/3.7/3.6 on 42/40/78 splits during the regular season and 8.7/3.1/3.3 on 37/32/77 splits in the Playoffs. The gap between him and a player like Desmond Bane is immense, apples to oranges.

He still clearly has positive value because he is locked up for two seasons, but we are talking a pick in the teens and cap space type of value, nothing crazy.

Good God....Bane is making over 3 times more than DDV the next two seasons. Yeah I get it....DDV isn't as good as Luka either. But he is a bargain at his salary.

Desmond Bane is locked up for four seasons on a 25% max. Donte DiVincenzo is on a bargain $12MM and $12.5MM contract over the next two years.

In the trade, Orlando also got off of the overpriced, guaranteed salary of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope: $21,621,500 and $21,621,500 (PO)
Cole Anthony: $13,100,000 and $13,100,000 (TO)

The trade was #16, three firsts, and a FRP swap to exchange Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Cole Anthony for Desmond Bane, who was not actively being put on the market.


The difference in caliber of player between Desmond Bane and Donte DiVincenzo is MASSIVE.

Peak Season (two seasons ago):
23.7/4.4/5.5/1.0/0.5 on 46.4/38.1/87.0 splits. 58.9 TS% -DB
15.5/3.7/2.7/1.3/0.3 on 44.3/40.1/75.4 splits. 59.7 TS% -DD

Ja Morant only played nine games that season. Desmond Bane was Memphis' #1 option, so he was receiving the bulk of the defensive attention.

Last Season:
19.2/6.1/5.5 on 48.4/39.2/89.4 splits. 60.0 TS% -DB
11.7/3.7/3.6 on 42.2/39.7/77.8 splits. 58.2 TS% -DD

Both were banged up this season.


We are comparing someone who, season-to-season, is putting up 8-12 more points per game on similar efficiency, despite receiving WAY more defensive attention from opposing teams. Donte DiVincenzo is a good bench player on a sub-MLE bargain deal for two more seasons. Desmond Bane is a quality starter who is under contract for four more seasons. Along with having to pay a premium for a player not being actively shopped publicly, Orlando also had to pay for dumping bad contracts. Personally, I think Orlando overpaid by a first because Desmond Bane is pretty injury prone, but they desperately needed outside shooting and offensive creation, which he absolutely offers.

I could see any team from #14-16 trading an expiring/MLE along with their pick for Donte DiVincenzo (which is very good value!), but this idea that you can look at the Desmond Bane trade and project out Donte DiVincenzo's value just doesn't add up. Trades don't happen in a vacuum, and the quality of player is DRASTICALLY different.

[minimus]

PHO OUT: KD
PHO IN: Rudy Gobert, Barnes, #14, #17

SAS OUT: Barnes, Fox, #14
SAS IN: KD, Miller

MIN OUT: Rudy Gobert, #17, Miller
MIN IN: Fox

Who says no?