With news of Jimmy Butler constantly changing, the Los Angeles Clippers are in the perfect spot to acquire the All-Star.
Jimmy Butler recently requested a trade from the Minnesota Timberwolves. He listed three teams he preferred for his next destination: the Brooklyn Nets, New York Knicks and the Los Angeles Clippers. All three of these teams will have cap space to re-sign Butler in the 2019 off-season. However, the Clippers are the main aim for Jimmy Butler, a tweet by Woj solidified his aspiration:
Minnesota's Jimmy Butler is most determined to find a way to the Los Angeles Clippers, league sources tell ESPN. The appeal of partnering with a second star - the Clippers have two max contract slots available in summer free agency - is an intriguing scenario for him.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 20, 2018
Jimmy Butler and Tom Thibodeau have had a strong connection. Thibodeau is like a father to Jimmy. Their relationship has had it’s bumpy moments over the years, including the struggle with the Chicago Bulls.
Now another fork in the road is taking place. Jimmy Butler wants out of Minnesota. He wants out now. After the shortcomings of Thibodeau’s young inexperienced team in the 2018 playoffs, Butler placed the blame on his teammates. Butler called out Karl Anthony-Towns and Andrew Wiggins as the sole problem for their loss against the Houston Rockets. This ignited a “beef” that hasn’t ended. Thibodeau is one of the only people in the whole Timberwolves organization that wants Jimmy to stay.
There are very few people inside the Timberwolves organization besides Tom Thibodeau who want Jimmy Butler to remain in Minnesota.
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) September 21, 2018
Tom Thibodeau remains loyal to Jimmy Butler. Others in the organization see the flaws in the attitude of Butler. This conflict within the Timberwolves organization could mean a potential steal for the Clippers, or nothing at all. Contrarily, the owner Glen Taylor sees Jimmy Butler currently on the market. His statement regarding the foreseeable future of the franchise regarded Jimmy Butler as a trade-able asset, Woj tweeted
Story filed to ESPN: As Minnesota’s front office tells inquiring rivals that team has no plans to trade Jimmy Butler, owner Glen Taylor had a different message at NBA’s Board of Governors meetings: Butler is available and owners/GM’s should contact Taylor himself if necessary.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 21, 2018
The Los Angeles Clippers should not be too greedy. If anything, the Clippers GM Lawerence Frank should low ball the Timberwolves. A possible low ball trade for Jimmy Butler could be: Danilo Gallonari, a 2021 first round pick and maybe throw in a Wesley Johnson. Another trade, more realistic for Jimmy would include a trade of Patrick Beverly and Tobais Harris.
The Clippers could score on Jimmy or they could stay content with their roster. The advantage of bringing in a Jimmy Butler would inherently create more attraction to free agents in the 2019 off-season. Imagine a Clipper team with Kawhi and Butler as the two stars. There is no way a Kawhi-Butler lead team is not making a serious championship run.
If the Timberwolves front office stays with Butler, then the Clippers won’t gain or lose, they could probably win him off in the next off-season. Now it is the waiting game. Will Butler enter the Los Angeles Clippers franchise at expense of a trade or join through an off-season max contract signing?
What we know is the Clippers are under the leadership of the all knowing Jerry West and capable Lawrence Frank, the Los Angeles Clippers and are in great hands.