Jimmy Butler is “open to the idea” of leaving the Timberwolves to join LeBron James and the Lakers, a source close to Butler told Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report.
While that’s not as definitive as Kawhi Leonard‘s well-known desire to play in Los Angeles — though the Raptors are already taking measures to change his mind — it’s certainly another intriguing avenue for the Lakers to pursue.
Butler can opt out of the final year of his contract and leave $19.84MM on the table to become an unrestricted free agent next summer and it’s generally assumed he’ll do that.
Butler would fit the bill of a second star to take pressure off of James. He’s a tough, defensive-minded player who has averaged 20 or more points for four consecutive seasons. He’s not a superior 3-point shooter but he’ll fill the stat sheet and he’s still got plenty of good years ahead of him if he avoids a major injury. He doesn’t turn 30 until next September.
Butler formally turned down a contract extension offer of four years and more than $100MM this summer. That’s as much as Minnesota could offer but Butler can command much more on the open market.
He would be eligible for a new five-year contract worth nearly $190MM with the Wolves, based on a $109MM cap projection for 2019/20. A four-year deal with the Lakers or another team could be worth up to $140MM.
There have been reports of tension among the Wolves’ three stars – Butler, Andrew Wiggins, and Karl-Anthony Towns – and if the team gets off to a disappointing start, he could be dealt before the February trade deadline.
Ironically, there have also been rumblings that Butler and Kyrie Irving might join the same team in free agency. If that came to fruition, Butler would be teaming up with the star player who wanted to get away from James last summer.
I believe Butler to the Lakers will happen. Firstly, Jimmy is a fierce competitor, good defender, solid playmaker, and perfectly fits the mold of the type of players Magic has been targeting to pair with LeBron. Secondly, every member of the Lakers’ young core are hard workers and have the sort of drive that Butler wants in his teammates
It could happen but he would be smarter to join Kyrie in NY if he could to pair up with Porzingis
Kyrie is never leaving Boston why tf would you wanna go to a championship contender to a squad filled with bums
To go from ** shiiiiii it’s getting too late over here lmao
This post is laughable … he’ll consider it … really? Wow, Jimmy Butler would consider signing w the Lakers and playing alongside LeBron James … stop the presses!
:D Cmon Butler will give it a “hmmmm” with FOUR m’s not just three!
I think Thibs has aged him 2 or 3 extra years. Dont mind the ‘stars’ migrating West, keep the road easy for Sixers.
I read an article that basically said the same thing. That Thibs stars have bitten teams in the butt, when they have signed their third contract (I.e. Deng, Rose, Noah).
Only 10 months and 1 week till 2019 NBA free agency. HaHa
If the Lakers get Butler they would be elite and up there with Golden State,Boston,and Houston.
Of course he would consider it, who wouldn’t wanna play in the LA? There he could win, if he goes back to Chicago or NY he wouldn’t ever compete, so apart that is the better place to sign/live is the one were he can realistically compete more.
What a dumb article, of course he’ll consider the Lakers, and 15-20 other teams as well. Why would he say anything different about a squad who has the ability to offer him a max deal. He’ll also consider NY, Brooklyn, a return to Chicago, the Clippers, Pacers and Philly. He’ll also consider re-signing with Minny for the purpose of a sign and trade.
I hope Butler goes to L.A. That keeps Kyrie in Boston, and Toronto has a better chance to keep Kawhi.
Just because the T-Wolves gave him the max does not make Wiggins a “star”. He’s way closer to “bust” than “star”.
Since when does a bust average 17 pts per game??
Nobody wants to play with Lebron. It has always been if his team wins Lebron gets all the credit, if they lose it’s because “he has no help”.
He’s too much of a diva to play with LeBron. It would absolutely never work. He needs the ball all the time, in order to be happy, otherwise he pouts. He thinks he’s a number one, and he’s not. Same goes for LeBron. He needs the ball all the time. He’s (Jimmy) a clubhouse cancer. He divided the locker room in Chicago, and is doing the same thing in Minnesota.