Dunking With Wolves
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Minnesota Timberwolves: Jimmy Butler trades to all 30 NBA teams

By Trey Flynn

TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 30: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves tries to stop a pass from Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors in an NBA game at the Air Canada Centre on January 30, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Raptors defeated the Timberwolves 109-104. NOTE TO USER: user expressly acknowledges and agrees by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Licence Agreement. (Photo by Claus Andersen/ Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 30: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves tries to stop a pass from Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors in an NBA game at the Air Canada Centre on January 30, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Raptors defeated the Timberwolves 109-104. NOTE TO USER: user expressly acknowledges and agrees by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Licence Agreement. (Photo by Claus Andersen/ Getty Images) /
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DALLAS, TX – NOVEMBER 17: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves at American Airlines Center on November 17, 2017 in Dallas, 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 Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX – NOVEMBER 17: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves at American Airlines Center on November 17, 2017 in Dallas, 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 Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

Jimmy Butler traded to the New York Knicks

Without Kristaps Porzingis, the New York Knicks don’t realistically have a chance of making the playoffs, even if Tim Hardaway Jr. scores over 30 PPG.

The last team that Jimmy Butler noted over the past few months that he was interested in was the New York Knicks, and it’s even been rumored that Kyrie Irving may think about leaving the Celtics this summer to join Butler and Porzingis in New York this summer.

Of course, some contracts need to be moved for that to happen.

In this trade we have the Wolves taking on Courtney Lee, who is a solid guard, a little past his prime, but has been rumored to want out of New York because Hardaway Jr. is taking most of his potential minutes.

Lee averaged 10 PPG with shooting splits of 45.1/39.0/85.6 last season.

While Lee would definitely be a starter for Minnesota, the other player that could arguably get the start would be forward Lance Thomas for New York.

Thomas hasn’t had many opportunities to show his talents with New York, but could possibly slide into the wing and Wiggins move to the shooting guard to allow Lee to come off the bench and light it up with the second unit.

The unprotected first is huge, because all it takes is one bad injury from the injury prone Hardaway Jr. (hoping that doesn’t happen) and the Knicks would arguably have a top-five pick in the draft.

The Knicks could really benefit with having Butler in New York before the summer, mostly because he has time to choose who he wants to sign a max contract with.

I would try and get him in the facility ASAP to show him what the Knicks are all about, hopefully forcing New York to send more assets Minnesota’s way.