Jimmy Butler (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers could be among the teams interested in trading for Jimmy Butler, who is rumored to be available on the trade market again.
Ric Bucher of Bleacher Report claimed that the Bulls have started shopping Jimmy Butler at the right price. Bucher insisted that the Bulls "have been uncertain to build around Butler" and now that Chicago has slowed down after an impressive start to the season, the team could the two-time All-Star is back on the trading block.
"League sources say that the team made it known weeks ago through back channels that shooting guard Jimmy Butler is available for the right price," Bucher said in his video report. "Could his recent 52-point explosion against the Hornets change the team's thinking? Not likely."
The Lakers have long been intrigued of adding a proven star on their roster and speeding up their rebuilding process. Butler, who is averaging a career-high 25.2 points and 6.8 rebounds per game this season, would give the Lakers an All-Star who could get it done on both ends of the floor.
Butler's addition would disrupt the Lakers youth movement, but his presence could turn the team into an attractive destination for top free agents like Blake Griffin, Chris Paul and Kevin Durant. However, any potential deal for Butler would surely be costly for Los Angeles.
Los Angeles has a collection of young talents, whom they could use as trade chips for a blockbuster deal involving Butler. A trade package consisting the likes of Brandon Ingram, D'Angelo Russell, Jordan Clarkson and Julius Randle would surely entice the Bulls to let go of Butler, although it is unlikely LA would consider trading their young guns at this point, according to Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak.
Mitch Kupchak on the Feb. 23 NBA trade deadline: "Based on my feel for the league I think it’s unlikely we’d do something." (on @SpectrumSN) https://t.co/bDZfqTkFx5
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) January 6, 2017
Kupchak has also expressed his intentions to keep the Lakers' core intact, especially the team's youngsters. In an interview with Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report, Kupchak admitted the Lakers are in no rush to make a blockbuster deal, insisting that he like the "young guys" on the team.
"We're going to have to do our job which is to look at opportunities that may come up in the next month or two. And if there are none, which is fine with me, because I like the young guys on the team, then during the offseason we'll have to look at opportunities," Kupchak said.
But it is also worth noting that the Lakers are impatient when it comes to competing for a championship and have shown multiple times they are willing to give up assets for someone who could help them get back to NBA glory.
Nevertheless, the Lakers should be cautious in pursuing Butler, especially if it would involve the team's future All-Stars. Adding Butler should accelerate their rebuild, but it may not be worth exploring if it means trading away the Lakers' young talents.
Video courtesy: YouTube/FreeDawkins
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