The Cleveland Cavaliers are working on a three team deal to acquire Bulls all-star Jimmy Butler. ESPN’s Marc Stein was the first to break the news that the Cavs are looking to acquire Butler.
The Cavaliers, per league sources, have been working today on assembling multi-team trade scenarios to try to acquire Chicago's Jimmy Butler
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 19, 2017
The Cavs obviously have to rope in at least one more team to provide the assets Chicago would surely demand but, sources say, are trying.
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 19, 2017
The Phoenix Suns are rumored to be the third team involved in a deal according to the Chicago Tribune’s K.C. Johnson.
Suns would be possibility for 3rd team. https://t.co/9sxmioJYgO
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) June 19, 2017
There is no report on who the Cavaliers would be giving up in this trade. However, there is wide speculation that Kevin Love will not be a member of the Cavs when the season begins in October. He has been the centerpiece of trade speculation since joining Cleveland in August 2015.
Cleveland is not the only team in the Jimmy Butler sweepstakes. The Minnesota Timberwolves have also contacted the Bulls about a possible trade for Butler. Minnesota would attempt to reunite Butler with his former coach Tom Thibodeau.
Sources: Chicago’s price for Jimmy Butler remains elevated, but Minnesota has assets and interest. Sides made preliminary contact this week.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 19, 2017
This rumor leaks out just a day after the Verticals’ Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Cavs were discussing a possible trade with the Pacers for Paul George.
Story updated with Pacers beginning trade talks for 'rentals' on Paul George, including contact with .... Cleveland. https://t.co/Ct6819EtyG
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 18, 2017
Butler’s contract would not expire at the end of the 2017-18 season like George. Butler would not be looked as a rental player the same way George is.
Butler has also expressed interest in playing for the Cavaliers in the past. During the recent all-star break he told ESPN that Kyrie Irving was his favorite NBA player and that he would love the chance to play on a team with him. Butler also added that he would enjoy playing with an elite shooter like Kyle Korver.
Jimmy Butler has experience playing with Irving. He played with Irving on the U.S. team that captured gold in the 2016 summer Olympics.
Whether the Cavaliers get either Paul George or Jimmy Butler remains to be seen. However, it is clear that the Cavaliers are not happy standing pat. David Griffin and company appear to be committed to revamping this roster to counter Kevin Durant’s move to Golden State last July.
This should be an interesting off-season in Cleveland no matter what happens.