Minnesota Timberwolves All-Star Jimmy Butler may never get traded at this point — or at least that’s how it feels. However, we need to hope that head coach Tom Thibodeau and general manager Scott Layden are just taking their time.
Is the Minnesota Timberwolves‘ front office simply taking their time to get a massive haul in exchange for Jimmy Butler. Could it be from the Los Angeles Lakers?
After a gut-wrenching 114-110 loss against the Los Angeles Lakers at the Staples Center, it’s still obvious the 4-8 Minnesota Timberwolves don’t play with continuity when Jimmy Butler is on the floor. Unless, of course, Derrick Rose scores 31 points on 17 shots, then anything is possible for Minnesota.
And because you can’t guarantee that Rose will continue to play at a consistent All-Star level, or that Karl-Anthony Towns won’t give up mid-game, you have to hope that the Wolves can get a more well-balanced roster than what they currently have by trading the 4-time All-Star in Jimmy Butler.
We’ve tackled trade ideas to every team in the NBA for Jimmy Butler’s talents, which you can read here in our 30 Jimmy Butler trade ideas to every team in the league.
However, when it specifically comes to the Los Angeles Lakers, another star is necessary to support LeBron James‘ quest of becoming a playoff contender in the Western Conference. Jimmy Butler may be that superstar partner to help Bron, as well as bring other stars to LA this summer, unlike sending Butler to a team that can’t utilize him.
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In a piece at the Express, they detail why a deal needs to be made sending Jimmy Butler to the elsewhere, and fast:
"Via, Express “The Minnesota Timberwolves must trade Jimmy Butler because he’s embarrassing the franchise, NBA expert Leigh Ellis reckons. They should control the situation and tell Jimmy Butler that he isn’t playing until he is traded, he said. Because Jimmy Butler is right now humiliating the franchise by saying he wants to leave and wants a trade. He’s waving the towel with the Golden State Warriors fans.”"
The site goes on to say how the Lakers have a copious amount of way to create a haul big enough to acquire an asset like Jimmy Butler. Whether it’s trading Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma, or Josh Hart, there are so many possibilities that could entice teams with superstars around the league.
And if you’re wondering, yes, I’m interested in all of those players putting on a Wolves’ jersey.
Ultimately, the Lakers are 5-6 and have too many opponents to battle for a playoff spot in the Western Conference with just LeBron by himself, so something needs to be done by Magic Johnson and the Lakers.
As for the Minnesota Timberwolves, they just need to get to a point where they aren’t looking in the mirror and see the words “blow it up.” Because other than the Washington Wizards, the Wolves may be the next team in line that does consider, ‘blowing it up.’
These next two trades will give the Wolves a more balanced roster and create an opportunity for a more versatile team down-the-stretch of the season and for the near future.
Not to mention it would give LA a chance to add another superstar in Butler and also attract more stars to the Lakers in the near future to team up with Bron and JB.
All trades have gone through the ESPN Trade Machine and are contractually legal. However, both trades can’t happen until Dec. 15 because they include a player contract can’t be moved until that date. And remember, the trade deadline is Feb. 7.