The intensity of the NBA Conference Finals is creating ripples that extend beyond the court and into the world of sports memorabilia. Trading cards, a staple for collectors and basketball fans alike, have experienced significant market fluctuations during this high-stakes period. With the Oklahoma City Thunder, Minnesota Timberwolves, Indiana Pacers, and New York Knicks all in the mix, it’s not just about who takes the championship but who captures the card collecting crown.
Take a deep dive into the current state of play for each team’s standout stars by examining their most coveted card inserts. These iconic pieces, like the Kaboom, Downtown, and Color Blast, are not only beautiful portrayals of their subjects but act as barometers for fan enthusiasm and collector interest.
First on the list is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder, whose explosive performances have established him as both a court force and a collector’s favorite. His 2023 One and One Downtown card showed a modest raw market increase of 7.4% over the last 30 days. Previously trading at around $1,950, the card’s most recent sale soared to $2,500, reflecting the heightened interest as the Thunder fights its way through the playoffs. Oddly enough, while the raw market for these cards has risen, the PSA 10s (a card-grade issued by Professional Sports Authenticator that signifies ‘Mint’ condition) have dipped by 20% to a recent $3,700 sale. For those eying a grading opportunity, this could represent a tactical investment window, especially if Oklahoma City continues its strong playoff run.
Not to be outdone, Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves exudes star power both on the court and in the collector realm. His 2020 Crown Royale Rookie Kaboom! card is a prime piece for enthusiasts. It last traded raw at $2,950, and its PSA 10 version saw a slight appreciation of 2.5%, recently changing hands for an impressive $8,923. Edwards’ 2020 One and One Rookie Downtown card also demands attention. A raw version fetched $5,800, while its PSA 10 counterpart jumped 33% to close at a handsome $13,000. Within Edwards’ memorabilia portfolio, these rare inserts are not only stable now but expected to see further appreciation should the Timberwolves snag a Finals slot.
On the other side of the court, Tyrese Haliburton has become the beacon of hope for the Indiana Pacers. His adept leadership is drawing parallels to notable greats, and his card market is keeping pace. Haliburton’s 2020 One and One Rookie Downtown, initially sold raw for $1,500, saw a jump with its PSA 10 version skyrocketing by 40% to $4,000. Additionally, his modern 2023 Spectra Color Blast marks a growing interest on the horizon. The card last sold raw for $830, and its PSA 10 hit $1,463, numbers that should climb if Indiana makes a convincing finals appearance.
Lastly, it’s hard to overlook Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks. Despite the market seeing a 14% decline in raw sales of his 2023 One and One Downtown card to $1,100, the PSA 10 version tells a tale of increasing demand with prices up by 35%, recently selling for $2,425. The underdog story that characterizes the Knicks’ journey to the Conference Finals adds a dynamic twist to the buying and selling of these inserts. A savvy move could involve purchasing a lower-priced raw card, seeking high grades through authentication, and capitalizing on market movements if the Knicks continue their unexpected upwards trajectory.
Each of these players, navigating the pressures and triumphs of the NBA playoffs, becomes a pivotal player in an equally exciting arena of collector markets. The unique appeal of Kabooms, Downtowns, and Color Blast cards lies not only in their rarity and craftsmanship but also in the aspirational narratives they capture — players at the peaks of their careers, fans inspired by greatness, and collectors betting on future legacies. Passion, risk, and reward — much like the sport itself — define this segment of the memorabilia market. As the Conference Finals continue to galvanize basketball fans, the most significant turns are eagerly watched under the bright lights of the trading card world.
