The Jimmy Butler and Kawhi Leonard trade that needs to happen

1 of 3

HOUSTON, TX – APRIL 25: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts in the second half during Game Five of the first round of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on April 25, 2018 in Houston, Texas. 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 Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

Somehow, the NBA world is getting more tangible reports of Jimmy Butler being unhappy in the past few months than we have from Kawhi Leonard in over a year. Luckily it’s enough to get some trade ideas flowing.

In the 2011 NBA Draft we had two of the more underrated draft picks of all-time come outside of the lottery. The 15th pick gave us Kawhi Leonard to the San Antonio Spurs, and the 30th pick gave us Jimmy Butler to the Chicago Bulls.

Unbeknownst to Leonard and Butler, their career trajectories would be remarkably similar over their next seven NBA seasons.

Both players have been through the playoffs six times, both have been named to two All-NBA Teams and four All-Defensive Teams, and both have close to identical career per-game stats — not to mention each of them making approximately $20 million.

Of course, Kawhi Leonard comes out on top with his two-time Defensive Player of the Year trophies and Finals ring with an MVP award in that same series.

Furthermore, why wouldn’t these two defensive superstars be ecstatic where they are?

There isn’t an easy answer.

After months of supposed feuding with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Jimmy Butler took the most 21st Century attempt at shade last night with a simple hit of the ‘like button’ on Instagram.

https://twitter.com/BR_NBA/status/1016814491927863296

Almost 15 months after Kawhi Leonard’s injury, he hasn’t given us a single quote about his situation in San Antonio – not even an Insta like.

What we have here is two superstars who seem to have a really odd relationship with both of their organizations, so why not do a clean swap?

Or at least, clean enough.

While an Instagram like may prove to be an immature way of starting trade talks about a potential Jimmy Butler and Kawhi Leonard blockbuster move, there is enough speculation around the two for anything to happen.

Before we throw down a proposal, I’ll give you some background information on how dire the situation is in both parties – in case you’ve missed out on the drama.