3 Superstars Clippers could have acquired over Kawhi Leonard and Paul George
By Will Eudy
2. Jimmy Butler
The biggest thing the Clippers were in need of heading into the 2019-20 season was a clearly-defined star player that could be relied on to perform at a high level come playoff time. They had plenty of talented role players to fill other needs, but there was a clear lack of a top-tier player on their roster at the time. Well, one of the most obvious star talents that was available that summer was Jimmy Butler.
Finishing up the second half of the 2018-19 season with the 76ers, Butler had just undergone a tumultuous year where he became a bit of a villain in the eyes of some. Beginning the season with the Timberwolves, Butler infamously teamed up with third-stringers at practice and took down the starters, boasting about how the team needed him along the way. He would soon be traded to Philadelphia where he joined a top-level East playoff team.
Falling in seven games to the eventual champion Raptors, Jimmy had his own issues with the 76ers and ended up signing a four-year deal in Miami. It was there that Butler proved his ability to carry a team in the playoffs, bringing the Heat two NBA Finals appearances in four seasons. Looking back, the Clippers could have just as easily had Jimmy as their franchise player when he wanted out of Philadelphia.