Minnesota sports history is filled with plenty of regrettable personnel moves. But the state's teams have also made their share of shrewd deals. As such, we are counting down our choices -- with many assists from folks on Twitter -- for the 25 best moves made via free agency, waiver claims or trades in the past 25 years of Twin Cities sports. (Note: Trades for draft picks count, but we are not including straight-up choices made in entry drafts such as Kevin Garnett or Joe Mauer). Weight was primarily given to the impact of the player or players obtained and the level of risk/boldness involved.

6 Lindsay Whalen trade: The Lynx's trade with Connecticut in 2010 undoubtedly helped both teams. Minnesota gave up its No. 1 pick in that year's WNBA draft and point guard Renee Montgomery to the Sun for the No. 2 pick and Whalen. The No. 1 pick ended up being Tina Charles, who like Whalen is competing in the Olympics for Team USA. But Whalen, a former Hutchinson and Gophers star, has helped transform the Lynx on the court and in the public eye. She has had plenty of help in both cases, but her contributions to the Lynx's 2011 WNBA title and increased exposure cannot be overstated.

5 Kevin Love trade: The course for the Wolves' future (now present) was set on June 26, 2008. In an eight-player draft-night swap, they nabbed Kevin Love and three players from the Grizzlies for O.J. Mayo and three players. Love has become one of the NBA's 10 best players -- and an Olympian as well -- while Mayo has been a solid but unspectacular pro. In addition, the Wolves obtained Mike Miller in the deal. He ended up being a key piece in the trade with the Wizards that yielded the draft pick that became Ricky Rubio. (Also: Nikola Pekovic was a second-round pick in the Love draft).

MICHAEL RAND