The Los Angeles Lakers have entered the Jimmy Butler sweepstakes as the NBA heads towards a grueling and interesting week. The NBA trade deadline is on Feb. 23 with some teams skimming the market for potential deals.
Jimmy Butler of the Chicago Bulls has seen his name emerged in trade talks with multiple teams reportedly interested. The Lakers are reportedly interested in Butler according to a tweet by Mike Andamie of NBC Chicago and reported by Lakers Nation.
According to Andamie, the deal would involve Jordan Clarkson, Lou Williams, and Julius Randle. The Bulls would package Butler with Michael Carter-Williams on the other end.
From the mix, it will be interesting if the Lakers are indeed splicing their young core. There was interest in Brandon Ingram and D’Angelo Russell before but Los Angeles is apparently not inclined to deal the duo. Lou Williams has already been reported as being on the block but the mention of Clarkson and Randle is a bit surprising.
Other than the Lakers, the Boston Celtics and Minnesota Timberwolves were mentioned as teams expressing interest in the 27-year-old player. Jimmy Butler was asked during a media session of the lingering trade talk and hoped he would not get traded, ESPN reported.
The Chicago Bulls are not actively shopping Jimmy Butler despite the uncanny trade rumors that suddenly popped up in the open. With a good chance to make the playoffs, he remains a key player for the franchise.
The Bulls are more inclined to trade off other players such as Doug McDermott, Taj Gibson or even Nikola Mirotic. There is also Rajon Rondo who has been relegated to the bench and mentoring the younger players on the team.
Like most teams, a potential target should a trade ensue are the draft picks the Celtics own. Boston is in a good position to select in the top three, a slot owed to them by the Brooklyn Nets. Danny Ainge has been quiet on potential trade moves though all that could change in the coming days, similar to the surprise move by the Sacramento Kings on DeMarcus Cousins.
Cousins was recently dealt with the New Orleans Pelicans in a multiplayer deal. The same is seen if the Bulls decide to part ways with the scoring swingman.
The video belows weighs in on the NBA trade talks involving Jimmy Butler.