Why the LA Clippers Should Trade for Jimmy Butler

Jimmy Butler may look to leave Minnesota, so there is a strong possibility he gets traded before the deadline. The Los Angeles Clippers should make a move for the All-Star.

The Minnesota Timberwolves have to be concerned about whether Jimmy Butler wants to stay, and if he does not, how should they deal him. Many NBA teams will be inquiring for Butler, and Minnesota is looking to get the most for him; instead of allowing Jimmy to walk away for nothing. The Los Angeles Clippers should make a move to trade for Jimmy Butler.

The LA Clippers need to get in the Jimmy Butler sweepstakes. He fits right in with Clippers’ new defensive minded philosophy. He is extremely defensive minded, but as a great two-way player can provide them offense.

Not only would it benefit the franchise this season, but having Jimmy Butler on the Clippers’ roster makes their team look much more attractive for free agents next summer. They have already publicly voiced that free agency in 2019 is their target to do some real damage. With Butler on board and enough cap space for at least one, maybe two max contract players, this has to be very tempting for any star player to join.

This is especially important considering that Kawhi Leonard is still a primary target and a huge possibility for the LA Clippers. Having Butler on the squad this season and possibly long-term will easily lure Kawhi to play for LA where he belongs.

Ideally, the best scenario for the Clippers to land Butler and still stay very competitive would be to trade Danillo Galinari, Sindarius Thornwell, and a first round pick. Getting rid of Gallo’s long-term contract, and swapping guards and a pick is an absolute jackpot for the LA Clips. However, would the Timberwolves really go for that trade? Butler may drop in trade value with his contract expiring after this season, but a player of his caliber still may demand more.

Another ideal scenario would be for the Clippers to give up, Boban Marjonovic, Milos Teodosic, and Wesley Johnson for Jimmy Butler in return. Again, great for the Clippers, but Minnesota definitely does not bite on that.

What is left that seems to make sense for both parties here is to deal Tobias Harris for Jimmy Butler possibly with a pick if needed. The Clippers do seemingly want Harris as part of their future after trying to extend him, but he’s not at Butler’s level of quality just yet.

We will keep monitoring the Butler situation and everything else related to your Los Angeles Clippers.