King James Gospel
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Cleveland Cavaliers: A plausible path for the Cavs to keep LeBron

By Rithvik Bhongiri

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - FEBRUARY 13: Paul George #13 of the Oklahoma City Thunder defends LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the game on February 13, 2018 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - FEBRUARY 13: Paul George #13 of the Oklahoma City Thunder defends LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the game on February 13, 2018 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – JANUARY 8: Jimmy Butler
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – JANUARY 8: Jimmy Butler /

Step 1: Trade young talent and picks for Jimmy Butler

One star that hasn’t been getting any attention is Jimmy Butler. The guard ended his first season in Minnesota with disappointment as his Timberwolves dropped to the 8th seed and were dispatched by the Rockets in five games.

With an upcoming free agency, many fans and the organization itself might have to start wondering: Why would he come back?

A trade the Cavs can make for Butler would demand much less than let’s say a trade for Leonard. And, with Butler’s upcoming free agency, the Cavs have a high chance of being able to really low ball Minnesota. A trade for Butler would include Sexton, Hood and the Cleveland Cavaliers 2021 first-round pick.

Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland Cavaliers /

Cleveland Cavaliers

Now lets break it down as to why the Cavs and Wolves do this trade.

For the Cavs its simple.

Butler is easily one of the best two-way players in the game.

He has become more efficient on offense boasting 22 points per, on 47 percent shooting from the field. He also is one of the best, if not the best, defenders at the two-guard position. His quick hands and physical strength allow him to trap and stay in front of players.

The most notable way he can help the Cavs is defending players coming off screens. The best example would be Klay Thompson. Butler’s ability to fight over screens is a nightmare for players like Klay Thompson who scores the bulk of his point rolling off screens into his shot.

For the Wolves, trading Butler might not seem that great of an idea but look at it this way.

Before the season ended there were reports that Towns was upset with the organization because of the fact that his involvement offensively had dropped tremendously. There was some truth in Town’s statements as he boasted career lows in points and rebounds.

This can be directly linked to Butler’s presence on the team.

For the Wolves it simple: Towns is the most important player in team history since Garnett. Keeping him happy and allowing him to grow as a player should be No. 1 on the Wolves’ priority list.

Even if it means trading Butler.