NBA Free Agency 2019: 5 potential destinations for Jimmy Butler

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MAY 02: Jimmy Butler #23 and Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers react after a timeout against the Toronto Raptors in the fourth quarter of Game Three of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at the Wells Fargo Center on May 2, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Raptors 116-95. 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. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

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PHILADELPHIA, PA – FEBRUARY 10: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Philadelphia 76ers guards LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers in the first quarter at the Wells Fargo Center on February 10, 2019 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.(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

3. Los Angeles Lakers

After a lost 2018-19 season, LeBron James is doing everything he can to avoid a repeat in 2019-20.

According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, James “has already begun the recruiting process” and has had contact with both Butler and Toronto Raptors star forward Kawhi Leonard. In late May, Arash Markazi of the Los Angeles Times reported Butler would “join the Lakers in a second if they offered him a max deal.”

When Butler requested a trade from the Minnesota Timberwolves this past fall, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski initially reported (via CBS Sports’ Colin Ward-Henninger) that James’ presence on the Lakers’ might cool Butler’s interest.

“[Butler] is enamored with the idea of playing a central role in a big market,” Woj reported. “Butler had once imagined playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, but LeBron James’ arrival as the franchise’s cornerstone made it less appealing for Butler in the prime of his career, league sources said.”

However, the Lakers’ reported acquisition of New Orleans Pelicans All-Star big man Anthony Davis could warm Butler on the idea of forming a Big Three in L.A.

If the Lakers can’t convince the Pelicans to delay finalizing the Davis trade beyond July 6, they’ll fall far short of the salary-cap space they need to offer Butler a max deal. But if the Davis deal doesn’t go down until July 30 (or later), the Lakers will have just enough salary-cap space to offer Butler his full four-year, $140.6 million max contract.

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