Los Angeles Lakers: 5 wildly ambitious free agency targets in next 3 years

Jimmy Butler, SG, Minnesota Timberwolves

When he’ll be available: Free agent in 2019 (player option) or 2020

This situation is similar to that of Thompson. The Lakers need a two-way superstar at shooting guard, and Jimmy Butler would be just what the doctor ordered. That is, if he’s willing to move on from the Minnesota Timberwolves in two or three years.

Coming over from the Chicago Bulls, Butler is expected to join Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins to form Minnesota’s own Big Three. The Timberwolves are a team on the rise, and Butler’s arrival could be just enough to push them into the “contender” category in the West.

If things don’t go as planned, though, Butler could opt to test free agency in 2019.

Even if things are going well, it’s nearly guaranteed he’ll opt out of his current contract. His player option would pay him $19.8 million in 2019-20, which we all know would be well below market value for a player of his caliber. Whether it’s with the Timberwolves or another club, Butler will be signing a max deal.

Could the Lakers be the ones to reward him for his superstar-like play? If the cap space is there, there’s no question Magic would be blowing up Butler’s agent’s phone when the moratorium period began.

Butler would give Los Angeles a dynamic talent at the 2, providing both elite scoring and defending abilities. Unless they find another capable starter to fill the role between now and 2019 free agency, the Timberwolves’ newest star would be a terrific fit alongside Ball.