Jimmy Butler remains a member of the Minnesota Timberwolves for the time being, but it seems clear that he will soon be a member of a different NBA team.
According to recent reports, the Cleveland Cavaliers are in the thick of it when it comes to teams who are aggressively pursuing the disgruntled All-Star.
Thanks to one NBA reporter, it’s becoming quite clear what the Wolves would likely ask for in a trade with the Cavs.
Based off Minnesota Timberwolves' asking price for Jimmy Butler (i.e. Ben Simmons)….
Minnesota would want something like this from the Cleveland Cavaliers in a trade. I’m told from a source in Cleveland that the Cavs WILL NOT part ways with Colin Sexton. pic.twitter.com/n0V0DP58mj
— 👑 Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson (@ScoopB) September 28, 2018
According to the report, it seems the Cavs’ 2018 first-round draft pick Collin Sexton is off the table. While that could very well be a deal-breaker for both sides, a later tweet did reveal what kind of trade the Cavs would be willing to make to bring Butler to Cleveland.
Although VERY unlikely, THIS is what Cleveland Cavaliers MAY be willing to part with…..including a draft pick. pic.twitter.com/oOmY6PsVbu
— 👑 Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson (@ScoopB) September 28, 2018
Considering recent reports that the Wolves’ asking price for Butler remains quite high, them agreeing to trade the two-way star for a handful of rotational players seems somewhat unlikely. Still, if the Cavs were able to include some future draft picks into a deal, perhaps that could be enough to sway the Wolves.
If Butler were to be traded to the Cavs, it would instantly make them playoff contenders in the relatively weak Eastern Conference. Last season, the 6-foot-8 forward averaged 22.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game. While those numbers don’t quite match up with the stat line that LeBron James carried through the 2017-18 season, they’re not so far off.
It will be fascinating to see what team ends up landing Butler, who is clearly looking for a fresh start after just one season in Minnesota. If the answer ends up being the Cavs, here’s hoping to them not having to give up too much to make a deal happen.
