Minnesota Timberwolves: Should Jimmy Butler be traded?
2. San Antonio Spurs
Why the Timberwolves say yes:
Ah, yes… the Kawhi Leonard trade proposals continue again here. Except, instead of Wiggins you add Butler to the trade. The San Antonio Spurs may find having Butler come over in a trade is a better deal for them moving forward.
The Timberwolves say yes to this because, well, it’s Leonard. He’s a better version of Butler on both ends of the floor. That’s no disrespect to Butler, of course, it’s just that when Leonard is healthy, you can argue that he’s one of the best two or three players in the league.
Leonard has a better shot from beyond the arc as well, which helps Minnesota’s case. There’s also a lot of similarities in personalities between he and Wiggins, which may even work a lot better for Wiggins going forward as well.
The one question mark is that we don’t know the severity Leonard’s lingering injury. If they can clear everything up and things look a go, this trade would be perfect for Minnesota. It’s becoming more evident that a Spurs-Leonard breakup may be on the horizon, and that should allow Minnesota to at least make an offer.
Again, he and Butler are set to become free agents in the summer of 2019, which could cause Minnesota to hesitate to give up that much for a player that might leave after one season, but that’s effectively the same situation they’ll be in with Butler anyway.
Why the Spurs say yes:
The Spurs saying yes to this seems like an easy decision. This is barring any idea that the Spurs aren’t offered a better package from let’s say, the Los Angeles Lakers or Boston Celtics. Getting Butler in return allows the Spurs to stay competitive for at least another season.
Let’s be honest, if the Spurs have Greg Popovich as head coach, they seem always like a lock to make the playoffs no matter what. But, having Butler in return gives Popovich another star to work under. If winning is what is most important to Butler, wouldn’t it be fairly easy for him to resign? San Antonio shouldn’t have any issue signing free agents either because Butler can recruit there and being one of the most successful franchises offers more free agent success.
Tyus Jones is a nice return because of his will to work hard and not give up anything on defense, and I think Popovich will like having him on his roster. This draft is deep, so getting the 20th pick in return seems like an added bonus.