Minnesota Timberwolves: 3 blockbuster Jimmy Butler trades to Wizards
By Trey Flynn
In this move, we have a swap of talent between the All-Stars in Jimmy Butler and John Wall, as well as moving the consistent Jeff Teague to Washington for the feisty wing Tomas Satoransky.
While this move could definitely include some solid draft picks, let’s keep it simple, for now.
Lets start with the Washington Wizards and who they get:
The Wiz get two All-Stars in Jimmy Butler and Jeff Teague to balance out their lineup, which will hopefully lessen the tension in the locker room.
And while it seems like the Wizards don’t necessarily need another alpha dog on the court, it’s quite possible that Butler would flourish more in D.C. than in Minnesota. And if he doesn’t, he can choose to leave next Summer, which still get Washington out of Wall’s insane contract that will pay him upwards of $45 million when he’s 33-years-old.
Jimmy Butler is a 4-time All-Star who is currently playing like an All-Star averaging 23 PPG and shooting close to 50 percent from the field. Butler’s also looking to get paid next summer, and while it seems more beneficial for Washington to not have either Butler or Wall for the future of their culture in D.C., having Butler just allows Washington to have more options.
It’s quite possible that this move would be the only realistic trade that would allow the Wizards to get out of Wall’s deal without giving up too much in the near future. It’s all about the culture and foundation of D.C. right now, and the front office needs to protect it.
Jeff Teague, Jimmy Butler, Bradley Beal, Otto Porter (or Kelly Oubre Jr.), and Dwight Howard sounds like a more complete lineup than before, so I definitely make this deal if I’m the Wizards.
As for Minnesota, it’s tough.
The Timberwolves acquiring John Wall would give them – objectively – the best point guard they’ve ever had in a Wolves’ jersey. And it’s easy to forget, event though 5-time All-Star John Wall is a little jaded on and off the court, he can still be a top-five point guard in this league.
More than anything, Minnesota needs a consistent facilitator that can run the offense without chucking up shots. And while John Wall definitely brings chucking of his own, he also runs an offense better than most guards around the league.
Furthermore, Tomas Satoransky would be a nice wing to bring off the bench, who is still trying to find his niche in the league – and we’re hoping that Tom Thibodeau could utilize him as defensive wing that sinks some open three’s (shoots 50 percent from downtown).
In conclusion, I give this deal a solid B.
Our next move sends Bradley Beal to Minnesota to show Andrew Wiggins how to shoot the ball at an All-Star efficient level.