NBA trade rumors: 5 trade destinations for Jimmy Butler

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Jan 7, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) drives to the basket against Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) during the second half at United Center. The Bulls won 101-92. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /

Atlantic. Boston Celtics. 1. player. 18. . East

If they really want Butler on their 2016-17 roster, the Boston Celtics have the players, the draft picks, the basketball culture, the general manager, and the head coach to land this elite NBA shooting guard in a draft day trade.

Boston has a crazy amount of 2016 NBA Draft picks (eight), including three in the first round (No. 3, No. 16, No. 23). The Celtics may want to use the No. 3 pick the acquired in a right to a pick swap with Atlantic Division rival Brooklyn on either Dragan Bender, Kris Dunn, or Jamal Murray, but getting Butler makes Boston a contender to win the Eastern Conference.

Of course trading for Butler would take at least No. 3, another draft pick, and two strong rotational players to pull it off. A trade for Butler would almost certainly mean that either Jae Crowder or Avery Bradley would play for the 2016-17 Bulls.

There are more trade possibilities with Boston than the Bulls could have with any other team they could negotiate a Butler deal with. General manager Danny Ainge is ready to build another championship team in Boston and head coach Brad Stevens is ready to lead that unit.

With a starting backcourt of Isaiah Thomas at point guard and Butler at the two, with maybe one more All-Star caliber player in the front court, the 2016-17 Celtics might be the favorite to face the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2017 Eastern Conference Finals.

For more NBA trade rumors, please check out our NBA trade rumors category page.

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