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Williams’ 3 trades the Cleveland Cavaliers can make for Jimmy Butler

By Tevin Williams

Mar 4, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) reacts during the first quarter against the LA Clippers at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) reacts during the first quarter against the LA Clippers at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 2, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) dribbles the ball against the Houston Rockets during the first half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 2, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) dribbles the ball against the Houston Rockets during the first half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

Cavaliers, Bulls, Suns 3-team trade

Cleveland Cavaliers receive Jimmy Butler and Cameron Payne

Chicago Bulls receive Brandon Knight, Iman Shumpert and Alan Williams.

Phoenix Suns receive Kevin Love

The Cavaliers get their guy in Butler, and LeBron moves to power forward as the Cavaliers feature a more modern lineup with only one big man. This will allow LeBron to preserve his energy in the postseason, as he won’t have to guard Kevin Durant or Kawhi Leonard, assuming Cleveland makes it back to the Finals. The Cavs will also have the ability to switch the 1-4 pick and roll on defense, limiting its effectiveness.

Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland Cavaliers /

Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cavs production shouldn’t slip into a funk when James takes a rest either. With Irving and Butler on the floor, Cleveland will have two ball handlers that can create plays for themselves and for others. Cleveland will also receive Cameron Payne, who will serve as a useful backup point guard until Kay Felder is ready to take over. Expect Cleveland to part ways with Deron Williams, who hurt more than he helped in the Finals.

The Bulls receive point guard Brandon Knight, who along with Rajon Rondo and Dwyane Wade, will be a playmaker for Chicago. With Eric Bledsoe and Devin Booker starting in the backcourt for Phoenix last season, Knight’s numbers declined as he was moved to the bench. In the 2015-16 season, Knight averaged 19.6 points and 5.1 assists per game as a starter. He should see more opportunities in Ch ago, because neither Rondo or Wade played more than 30 minutes per game last season.

Chicago also receives defensive specialist Iman Shumpert, who will attempt to plug the whole that Butler leaves at small forward. Last on the list is Alan Williams, who despite playing only 15.1 minutes, averaged 7.4 points and 6.2 rebounds per game. Williams had 15 double-doubles in 47 games last season. Impressive for a player who only sees the floor for a little more than a quarter a game.

Finally, the Suns receive Kevin Love who will be very involved in Phoenix’s offense. Expect Love to again average more than 20 points and 10 rebounds a game as he reestablishes himself as a double-double machine. A core of Bledsoe, Booker, and Love should provide the Phoenix faithful with more hope for their future.