Denver Sold Gary Keller to Minnesota
The Rockets sold Gary Keller to the Minnesota Muskies for cash on October 16, 1967. Minnesota acquired a frontcourt player who immediately entered the rotation during the ABA’s inaugural season.
NBA Trade Verdict
Muskies Win
Denver sold Gary Keller to the Minnesota Muskies for cash on October 16, 1967. Minnesota turned the purchase into 69 regular-season games in the ABA's inaugural season, with Keller averaging 7.3 points and 5.6 rebounds in 17.6 minutes per game. He remained with the franchise after its move to Miami and added 53 games in 1968-69, bringing the realized franchise return to 122 regular-season appearances. Denver received undisclosed cash and no traceable on-court asset from the sale itself. That gives the Muskies/Floridians franchise a clear realized-value edge over the Rockets.
October 16, 1967 Denver Nuggets / THE Floridians Record confidence: High
Denver Nuggets Received
- Cash cash
THE Floridians Received
- Player Gary Keller
Trade Analysis
Keller Stayed with the Franchise Through Its Move
Keller played 69 games for Minnesota at 7.3 points and 5.6 rebounds in 17.6 minutes, then followed the franchise to Miami and added 53 games in 1968-69. The purchase therefore produced 122 regular-season appearances.
Denver Received Only an Undisclosed Financial Return
The Rockets received cash but no traceable on-court asset from the sale itself. Because the amount is unknown, Denver’s side cannot be compared dollar-for-dollar with the production Minnesota and Miami received.
The Muskies-Floridians Franchise Earns the Edge
The B+ versus C split recognizes two seasons of useful depth from Keller. Denver did monetize the asset, but the measurable basketball return clearly belongs to Minnesota and its successor franchise.
Final Verdict
Muskies Win — Denver C, Minnesota/Miami B+. Denver sold Gary Keller to the Minnesota Muskies for cash on October 16, 1967. Minnesota turned the purchase into 69 regular-season games in the ABA's inaugural season, with Keller averaging 7.3 points and 5.6 rebounds in 17.6 minutes per game.