The Los Angeles Lakers may consider trading for Chicago Bulls Jimmy Butler as the 2016 NBA draft nears.
With the 2016 NBA draft fast approaching, several teams are looking at improving their chances to select the best prospect in this year's draft class, including the Lakers, who holds the No. 2 pick. Despite the guaranteed talent with the top pick they possess, the Lakers are reportedly "not locked on anyone" even with Ben Simmons and Brandon Ingram readily available for picking.
The Lakers' front office indecision to look for a third-consecutive first-round talent may partly be because of the increasing depth of this year's draft. But it is also worth noting that a franchise like the Lakers, who seems ready to dismiss any incremental progress to become contenders again, are looking for a young veteran who could help the team immediately.
It could be the presumptive action the Lakers will take this offseason after bringing Luke Walton to be LA's next head coach, and if they seriously intend to tread that path of finding a proven star, Butler could be an intriguing option for the Lakers.
Butler, whose name has been thrown to several trade talks, including a potential deal for the Boston Celtics' No. 3 pick, could become available, with the Bulls looking at drafting a top-talented point guard in the draft.
ESPN's Marc Stein and Chad Ford have claimed the Bulls are "highly intrigued" by Providence guard Kris Dunn, but the 22-year-old may no longer be available when Chicago selects at No. 14. This could be the perfect chance for the Lakers to pry Butler from the Windy City, although a potential deal would likely include D'Angelo Russell, whom Ford reported could be available for another top pick.
Butler would not only fill in the Lakers' lack of a quality wing player, but could also become a complementary piece in the team's core of youngsters. There is also the potential for Butler, who averaged a career-best 20.9 points and 4.8 assists in the past season, to replace Lakers legend Kobe Bryant as the next face of the franchise.
But more importantly, exchanging the No. 2 pick, and probably Russell, for Butler, would be the most sensible move for the Lakers if they wish to land the one or two of the top free agents this summer.
Despite having a projected max salary cap space north $60 million, the Lakers are not expected to attract top free agents like Kevin Durant, Al Horford and DeMar DeRozan to Tinsel town. These aforementioned free agents are likely to join contenders, but given the Lakers' current lineup, LA is far from being a top destination for free agents.
With Butler on board, LA will turn into a very enticing place for top stars, and with the Lakers having a lot of money to spend, it would not hurt their pocket to have to expensively talented marquee players.
Whether the Lakers would decide on trading their No. 2 pick remains to be seen, but it is only a matter of days before fans find out any development to rumors involving Butler and the 16-time world champions. Nevertheless, it seems a win-win deal the Bulls and Lakers should consider as part of their attempt to bounce back from a disappointing season.