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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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November 20, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) celebrates after a made tree-point basket behind Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) during the first quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
November 20, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) celebrates after a made tree-point basket behind Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) during the first quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Jimmy Butler is a two-way player

This is the most important reason forcing the Cavaliers’ hand. They have too many one-way players in another potential Finals matchup against the Golden State Warriors. Kevin Love, Kyrie Irving, Kyle Korver — all the K’s — were primarily offensive-minded and were defensive liabilities. Iman Shumpert and Tristan Thompson are solid defenders, but offensive liabilities.

The Warriors featured a lot more two-way players and were able to expose this major flaw in the Cavaliers. Thus, Cleveland has to find a way to improve upon this issue, by adding either Jimmy Butler or Paul George this offseason, even if it means giving up Kevin Love.

Come June, Jimmy Buckets will not only drop 20 points on a given night, he’ll be able to check Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson or Stephen Curry. It’ll relieve some pressure off of LeBron James to be the primary defender in the 2017 Finals’ MVP.

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Butler can do it on both ends of the floor at an extremely high level, something Kevin Love can’t say confidently. Adding another 6-foot-7 wing who can defend is key for Cleveland, even if it means parting ways with Love.

Playing both ends of the floor in a series against the Golden State Warriors is extremely pivotal. Adding Jimmy Butler would give the Cavaliers that threat, while removing a player that was a defensive liability.

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