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2017 NBA Draft: Biggest winners and losers

By Max Holm

Dec 13, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Andrew Wiggins (22) dribbles the ball against Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) during the second half at the United Center. Minnesota defeats Chicago 99-94. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Andrew Wiggins (22) dribbles the ball against Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) during the second half at the United Center. Minnesota defeats Chicago 99-94. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 12, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) reacts during the first half against the Brooklyn Nets at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

Biggest Winner: Minnesota Timberwolves

With the Chicago Bulls as the biggest loser on draft night, it’s only fitting to crown the Minnesota Timberwolves as the night’s biggest winner. While it may not be on the same level as some of the deals Danny Ainge and Sam Hinkie pulled off over the years, this was nothing short of a heist.

Minnesota keeps its core of Andrew Wiggins, Karl-Anthony Towns and Ricky Rubio, who is on a great contract, and adds arguably a top-10 player in the league. Additionally, they convinced Chicago to throw in the 16th pick and took Justin Patton. Patton has one of the highest upsides of anyone that late in the first round. He needs to get tougher and more consistent which seems a good project for his new coach.

Now, don’t get too carried away here, the Wolves are far from contention. In fact, they could easily miss the playoffs next year. That’s just the nature of the Western Conference.

But Butler and Towns is one of rhe great one-two punches in the league. Wiggins’ improvement is a necessity for them to take a jump, but they may be a free agent destination now.

Next: 2017 NBA Draft grades for all 30 teams

The only danger for Minnesota is Butler did not want to leave and will need convincing of staying. Unlike Paul George, the Wolves have two years to persuade him and Butler doesn’t have his eyes set on a future destination like George. Reuniting with Tom Thibodeau certainly won’t hurt either.