NBA Trade Rumors: 5 possible deals for Jimmy Butler

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 23: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves talks to the media after the game against the Houston Rockets in Game Four of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 23, 2018 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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PHILADELPHIA, PA – May 5: Joel Embiid #21 and Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers look on against the Boston Celtics during Game Three of the Eastern Conference Semi Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 5, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /

4. Philadelphia 76ers

The 76ers missed out on both Paul George and LeBron James this summer. They were supposed to get one of them to fill their void at small forward. Then, Kawhi Leonard wanted to be traded, and they couldn’t bring him in either. Maybe this time they can get their small forward, because Wilson Chandler, while a strong player, is not of the caliber they need if they plan on winning an NBA title this year.

Butler works perfectly with the 76ers. His style of play won’t interfere with Ben Simmons who will still be able to drive and make plays. Joel Embiid will remain the primary post player. Butler does exactly what the 76ers need their small forward to do. He scores efficiently, doesn’t stop ball movement, and plays very good defense.

Butler finished in the 88th percentile last year in spot-up shooting, and that is exactly what the 76ers want to hear. Everybody on the 76ers can shoot (Simmons is working on it) and they keep the ball moving, or get drive-and-kicks from their playmakers to set each other up. They were second last year in terms of assists per game. Butler will allow them to continue that style of play while converting his chances at a high rate.

Then there is how good the 76ers would be defensively with Butler. A deal for Butler would probably mean sending out at least two of the Markelle Fultz, Dario Saric and Robert Covington trio. Even if Covington heads out, Butler could absolutely lock down the perimeter, with Embiid anchoring the paint. He would make the 76ers an immediate contender, and Butler could finally have his postseason success.

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