NBA trade rumors: 5 trade destinations for Jimmy Butler

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Jan 14, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) drives toward the net during the fourth quarter of the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center. The Chicago Bulls won the game 115-111 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports /

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Would Butler be worth the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft for the Philadelphia 76ers? Potentially, as Butler is an elite player in his prime and even presumed No. 1 pick in LSU’s Ben Simmons may not reach Butler’s status on the hardwood for at least a couple of years.

Even if the 76ers don’t want to swap Simmons’ draft rights for Butler, Philadelphia has more than enough trade assets to orchestrate a deal with the Chicago front office for Butler’s services. Philadelphia has three first round picks in this year’s NBA Draft (No. 1, No. 24, No. 26) and several exciting young prospects that the Bulls could use in a rebuilding effort.

The 76ers did a great job of stockpiling assets under former general manager Sam Hinkie. With new general manager Bryan Colangelo in charge, the 76ers may end their hypertanking ways and begin to ascend from the catacombs of the NBA’s Eastern Conference cellar.

Philadelphia needs a massive upgrade in their starting back court and may have to part ways with at least three of the following players to Chicago to make this deal happen: Simmon’s draft rights, Dario Saric, Jahlil Okafor, Nerlens Noel, Robert Covington, or Joel Embiid.

Even if it takes four of Philadelphia’s six most prized trade assets, it would be worth if for the 76ers, as Butler will alone make Philadelphia 15 wins better than the 76ers were in 2015-16. Butler can be the star player Philadelphia needsw in a new era of 76ers basketball.

Next: 4. Utah Jazz.

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