Los Angeles Clippers: Three possible trade packages for Jimmy Butler

PARIS, FRANCE - AUGUST 25: Jimmy Butler of the Minnesota Timberwolves attends the Ligue 1 match between Paris Saint-Germain and Angers SCO at Parc des Princes on August 25, 2018 in Paris, France. (Photo by Aurelien Meunier/Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE - AUGUST 25: Jimmy Butler of the Minnesota Timberwolves attends the Ligue 1 match between Paris Saint-Germain and Angers SCO at Parc des Princes on August 25, 2018 in Paris, France. (Photo by Aurelien Meunier/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 01: Danilo Gallinari #8 of the Los Angeles Clippers shoots a free throw at Staples Center on April 1, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Danilo Gallinari
LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 01: Danilo Gallinari #8 of the Los Angeles Clippers shoots a free throw at Staples Center on April 1, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Danilo Gallinari /

Trade #2

LA Clippers receive: G Jimmy Butler

Minnesota Timberwolves receive: F Danilo Gallinari, G Sindarius Thornwell, 2021 First Round Pick

In my opinion, this trade is the most ideal, even if it does mean giving up a first round pick. The 2021 pick hurts to give up, especially considering that high schoolers may be eligible to enter the NBA Draft that summer. Still, if the Clippers have both Butler and another star, it’s likely it wouldn’t be a high value pick. This pick is the earliest one that can be traded due to the Stepien Rule.

The big win here for the Clippers would be moving Danilo Gallinari. Although a skilled player, Gallo has not been able to stay health and has a large deal which is seemingly the only error thus far in the Jerry West era.

Throwing Sindarius Thornwell into the deal just sweetens the pot for Minnesota as they get a young defensive minded guard who Thibs can run into the ground. It also helps clear out some of the team’s guard logjam while not moving a key rotational piece.