Minnesota Timberwolves: Should Jimmy Butler be traded?

3. Portland Trail Blazers

Why the Timberwolves say yes:

The Timberwolves say yes to this because C.J. McCollum is a fantastic 3-point shooter, and while there’s an obvious defensive drop-off between he and Butler, 3-point production is something that the Wolves need badly.

Adding McCollum allows spacing on the floor and he has the ability to play point guard, which makes him more dangerous. He averaged 21.4 points per game and shot 39.7 percent from three on 5.9 attempts. Plus, getting the Blazers pick at No. 24 is valuable.

Players going late in the draft are still valuable in this particular draft because this class is so deep. Minnesota can draft depth, 3-point shooters or a big man with the 20 and 24 pick.

Why the Trail Blazers say yes:

The Blazers need a shakeup. For the longest time there has been rumors or talks as to when the Blazers blow things up and start over, but that’s tough to do with so many large contracts on the books. Between Damian Lillard and McCollum, it would seem more likely that McCollum is most likely to leave.

Adding Butler might be the missing piece. The Blazers have that gritty-grind to them that Butler has as well. It’s not hard to see him fitting in well with the Blazers because of that. Butler improves their defense and would bring a different dimension.

He’s certainly tougher and might compliment Lillard’s winning mentality more so than McCollum. This trade works out for both sides because Minnesota gets depth and 3-point shooting, and the Blazers get toughness and a different change that will hopefully fix things moving forward.