SPECULATION: Could Jimmy Butler move to the LA Clippers?

With a summer of uncertainty quickly approaching the LA Clippers organization, a change in the roster could be very likely. Is Jimmy Butler part of that change?

It is very possible that one of the “Big Three” will leave this summer, with rumors about Blake Griffin leaving picking up some steam. Should he decide to go, wouldn’t it be best to trade for a player like Jimmy Butler instead of him walking out?

Enter the star of Chicago, who is supposedly “as good as gone” from the Bulls after the end of this season. The unsettled superstar has frequently butted heads with his coach, Fred Hoiberg, as well as questioning the intensity of his teammates. That goes a long way in showing that he wants out. The Bulls are currently 38-39, good for 7th in the Eastern Conference. Jimmy Butler is having a career year, averaging highs in points, assists, rebounds and steals, yet his team his under-performing; acquiring players such as Rajon Rondo, Dwyane Wade simply hasn’t helped them in reaching the upper echelon of the East.

So why would a move to the Clippers make sense? First, Butler is an extremely competitive player, as shown by his intensity on the floor. The fierce spirit is matched by Chris Paul and coach Doc Rivers, who went to Marquette, Butler’s alma mater. Jimmy would also want to play on a playoff team that is capable of going deep into the playoffs, something which may be easier to do in the West due to the new dominant teams; the Celtics, Wizards, and the Cavaliers.

For the Clippers, a player like Butler would solve a problem that has been haunting LA since the days of Corey Maggette: an accomplished two-way forward who can score and defend the premiere small forwards in the NBA.

Ways to get Jimmy Butler

Of course, superstars don’t grow on trees, and they aren’t usually available. Whether it be via trade or through free agency, it is not easy to acquire one. Logistically, even though LA is maxed out in cap space and is in the luxury tax, a trade is still possible. Using the NBA trade machine, which is surprisingly fun, I worked a few possible trades:

All three trades have some probability of happening. The three team trade looks surprising, but it seems like all the players are somewhat disgruntled and maybe want to move elsewhere. A trade like this benefits all the parties involved too, as the risk of leaving in free agency is removed. The other two trades, especially the DJ trade, are less likely. (Note: Blake would have to agree to a sign and trade, or pick up the last year of his deal)

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The Clippers should give Butler a look this off-season, especially if they once again disappoint in the playoffs.

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