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Jimmy Butler Trade Rumors: 5 reasons he’s a good fit for Cavaliers

By Akash Anavarathan

Jan 4, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) defends Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) during the second half at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 4, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) defends Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) during the second half at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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With trade rumors emerging that the Cavaliers are working on a package to bring Jimmy Butler to Cleveland, let’s look at five reasons why he’s a great fit.

Woah, the NBA offseason might be better than the actual NBA season. We’re less than 10 days in and the amount of rumors that have been thrown around is crazy. Sunday it was all about Paul George and his impending exit in Indiana. Monday has been about Jimmy Butler and his possible trade to Cleveland.

Now that’s a total shocker. All Sunday, Cleveland and PG13 were tied in possible trade talks and now on Monday, Cleveland and Butler are connected together. At 27 years old, Butler averaged nearly 24 points, 6.2 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game with the Bulls.

The Bulls’ superstar is in the middle of a five-year contract, with two years remaining on the deal. Chicago is trying to avoid the Indiana-PG13 mess by moving Butler a few years before his contract his up.

Cleveland is an intriguing destination for Butler,  so let’s see why he would be a great fit for Cleveland. For the matters of this discussion, let’s assume Cleveland gives up Kevin Love and Iman Shumpert in the trade.

5. Jimmy Butler’s only 27 years old — I mean 27 years young

What was one glaring issue when Cleveland faced Golden State in the NBA Finals? The Cavaliers looked old, tired, slow and un-athletic. Catching on to my drift, here? The Warriors’ core four features players that are 29 years old or younger. On the other hand, Cleveland was playing a lot of older players that just weren’t able to compete at that high of a pace.

So this is why Jimmy Butler would be a great fit. At 27 years old, Butler is the young, athletic player the Cavaliers could use in a potential Finals rematch against the Golden State Warriors.

Not only would Butler be one of the most athletic wings on the Cavaliers’ roster — aside from LeBron — his youth would help during the 82-game season. LeBron isn’t getting any younger and he’s going to need a wing player, who can take the defensive and offensive load.

Jimmy Buckets played in 76 games this past season with Chicago and has been relatively injury-free in his career. That’ll be key in Cleveland because Butler will be able to shoulder the load during the dog days of the season and his youthfulness will be invaluable in the Finals as well.

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