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Cleveland Cavaliers: Should the Cavaliers trade for Jimmy Butler?

By Matthew Beighle

CLEVELAND, OH - FEBRUARY 7: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves joke with each other between plays during the first half at Quicken Loans Arena on February 7, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Timberwolves 140-138 in overtime. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - FEBRUARY 7: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves joke with each other between plays during the first half at Quicken Loans Arena on February 7, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Timberwolves 140-138 in overtime. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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Should the Cleveland Cavaliers open the doors for Jimmy Butler?

Jimmy Butler wants out of Minnesota, that is no secret. Jimmy Butler is good, very good, and that is no secret. However, would he make a good fit with the Cleveland Cavaliers?

Last season in Minnesota, Butler averaged 22.2 ppg, 5.3 rpg, and 4.9 apg, to go along with 2.0 spg and only a turnover and a half. Those type of stats stacks up against the best of them.

"A league source said Butler, who has been frustrated with the nonchalant attitudes of younger teammates — specifically Karl-Anthony Towns — does not intend to sign an extension with the Timberwolves."

Jimmy Butler’s in-game performance might not be the most intriguing thing about this Eastern Conference star.

Back in 2017, when Butler first made known he wanted out of Chicago, Cleveland was in the discussion of his landing spot. However, Jimmy Butler did not want to “team-up” with LeBron. In fact, he stated that he did not want to be traded to Cleveland.

In light of the LeBron departure to LA, the Cavaliers are opening up a “rebuilding” era. Jimmy Butler as discussed could be a cornerstone of that era.

Rumors are also floating around that Butler has a healthy desire to team up with current east rival Kyrie Irving. Kyrie Irving left because he did not want to be second fiddle to LeBron, not because he disliked Cleveland.

The Boston Celtics, unless Al Horford opts out of his contract or there is a massive cap spike, will not be able to re-sign Irving and sign Butler next season. This means that the Brotherhood will be looking to headquarter at another Eastern Conference team.

Chances are if you lure Jimmy Butler to Cleveland, Kyrie Irving will return as well.

The combination of the two of them would lead the rebuild that the Cavaliers could be looking for. Irving would also give Collin Sexton a premier veteran point guard to help shape his game, and Butler is a significant threat from anywhere on the court.

If you sign both of them and trade Kevin Love, you would be looking at a revamped team just in time for the demise of Golden State.

The issue with Butler might be the cost. But, if he’s as upset with Minnesota’s culture as it seems, he might not sign that extension. Who would buy on Butler? Low-ball the Wolves for Butler, sign Irving and reshape the atmosphere from that of disappointment to excitement in Cleveland.

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