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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CHICAGO, USA – APRIL 7: Spencer Dinwiddie (8) of Brooklyn Nets in action during the NBA game between Brooklyn Nets and Chicago Bulls at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, United States on April 7, 2018. (Photo by Bilgin S. Sasmaz/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images) /

2. Brooklyn Nets

Similar to the Clippers, the Nets made it onto Butler’s three-team list because they have the ability to sign him to a big contract next summer. They also finally have their draft picks as well as some young talent that began to show off last year.

Spencer Dinwiddie broke out last year with some big plays for the Nets. He and former top draft pick D’Angelo Russell are both strong ball handlers who each average over five assists last year. Whichever one is left after a Butler deal could act as the primary ball handler with Butler attacking as a secondary creator and spot-up shooter.

That isn’t a knock on Butler’s ability to handle the ball, he is still very good with it in his hands. In fact, he finished in the 67th percentile last year in isolation, so he is well above-average. He would have to continue to be, because as the lone established star on the Nets, he would receive a lot of attention down the stretch of games as he will be expected to carry the team.

As previously mentioned, the Nets will have Butler surrounded by young talent that goes beyond Dinwiddie and Russell. Joe Harris, Caris LaVert, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, and DeMarre Carroll all averaged double-figure scoring last year as the Nets didn’t have one player establish themselves. At least a few of those pieces would be left after a deal and could contribute to the team around Butler. The Nets have a legitimate shot to win the Butler sweepstakes, and if they clear the cap space to sign another max free agent, he’ll be even more thrilled to join Brooklyn.

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