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Jimmy Butler Trade Rumors: 5 Teams That Could Trade For Him

By Gerald Bourguet

Dec 23, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) stands on the court during the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center. The Hornets defeated the Bulls 103-91. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 23, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) stands on the court during the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center. The Hornets defeated the Bulls 103-91. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jimmy Butler trade rumors
Nov 22, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler (21) defends against Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) in the fourth quarter at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets defeated the Bulls 110-107. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Denver Nuggets

The Denver Nuggets have been mentioned in pretty much every potential superstar trade scenario over the last year or so, from Blake Griffin to DeMarcus Cousins to Paul Millsap, so it’d be no surprise to see them mentioned in conjunction with Jimmy Butler too.

On Friday the Nuggets waived Alonzo Gee, clearing out a roster spot and giving Denver flexibility in the event of a trade. They wouldn’t really need it in this case, but it’s a subtle signal to the rest of the league that trade season has begun and the Nuggets might be open for business.

If that’s the case, they could be a prime suitor for Butler if he’s made available. Denver is one of the worst defensive teams in the NBA outside of Portland and Los Angeles, and Butler would bring some much-needed effort on that end of the floor.

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    • It seems like the Nuggets would be giving up a lot in this trade, but that’s what it would take to pry Jimmy Buckets away from Chi-town.

    There’s no tiptoeing around the fact that Emmanuel Mudiay has underwhelmed in his first few seasons in the NBA. He’s not a very good shooter, he’s turnover-prone and he’s largely inconsistent on both ends of the floor. That being said, he’s only 20 years old and could be worth the gamble for a team needing a franchise point guard.

    Jusuf Nurkic has been relegated to backup duty because of Nikola Jokic‘s exceptional play, and though Nurkic has done better in his bench role lately, he could be a centerpiece for a rebuilding Bulls team moving forward.

    Wilson Chandler is a valuable glue guy and experienced veteran. He could start on the wing alongside Wade and when the time came, he’d also be comfortable in a bench role since he’s thrived as Denver’s sixth man this season. In a deal like this, a pick or two would also have to be included.

    Denver could put the ball in rookie Jamal Murray‘s hands more, play Gary Harris at the 2, use Butler at the 3 and bring Danilo Gallinari off the bench or use him as a small-ball 4 alongside Jokic.  Harris and Gallo would also be substituted into this deal as needed, based on what Chicago wants. Either way, with Butler on board, Denver’s playoff push would stand a much better chance.

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