Los Angeles Lakers: Realistic blockbuster trade proposal for Jimmy Butler

If the rumors are true and the Los Angeles Lakers swing a trade for Jimmy Butler, here’s what the deal could realistically look like when finalized.

There is an unusual amount of rumors floating around right now about the potential for the Los Angeles Lakers to make a blockbuster trade for Jimmy Butler. While I’m not convinced the Minnesota Timberwolves would pull the trigger, it’s something worth considering.

Well, as luck would have it, that’s what we’re here to do.

The first question worth asking is whether or not Butler is even interested in coming to Los Angeles. It may not seem like an issue considering he doesn’t have the choice in a trade, but he is a free agent in 2019. Magic Johnson may not be willing to gamble on acquiring him without knowing that he wants to be in L.A. long-term.

However, according to Bleacher Report‘s Eric Pincus, there is some interest in a potential pairing. Or, to put it more precisely, Butler is “open to the idea” of leaving the Twin Cities and pairing up with LeBron James in Los Angeles. Whether that’s via free agency or trade is unknown, but at least there’s mutual interest that keeps this from becoming a pointless discussion.

Then there was this little tidbit a few days ago, which obviously added fuel to the fire:

It’s never a good sign when a superstar needs to have an “honest conversation” with the head coach and president of basketball operations. It means there’s legitimate tension that’s one wrong look away from blowing up. Chances are they don’t patch things up over coffee and donuts, which could necessitate a deal before Feb. 7’s trade deadline.

So let’s say the Lakers get involved. It may not happen right away, but you have to imagine they’ll see Butler as a potential pairing for James. If that’s the case, the next step if figuring out what a trade proposal for Jimmy Buckets could look like.

Well, here’s one that seems to be in the realm of possibility given the circumstances.

Note: The Lakers will have to wait until Dec. 15 to trade both Rondo and Stephenson.

So why does this work for for the Lakers? Well, for one, they get Butler. Losing both Josh Hart and Kyle Kuzma hurts, but they’re departures the team can survive. At least they don’t have to part with Lonzo Ball or Brandon Ingram. Rajon Rondo and Lance Stephenson bring solid depth, but are replaceable. The key here is not giving up draft picks, which have proven to be extremely valuable for this rockstar scouting staff.

Tom Thibodeau will be giddy over reuniting with Rondo, who he coached during his days with the Boston Celtics. The Timberwolves send Keita Bates-Diop back to even things out personnel-wise, but it’s a small loss. Minnesota forks up Butler, but gets back two exciting building blocks and two expiring contracts. It’s not ideal, but general manager Scott Layden has little leverage.

The departure of Hart is counteracted by the arrival of Butler, a two-way star at the 2-guard spot. While Kuzma isn’t as easily replaced, the Lakers will love the opportunity to get Moritz Wagner minutes. The possibility is there for Bates-Diop, a second round pick back in April, to have a role as well.

Now, before you start blowing up the comments section, let’s make one thing clear. This is absolutely not a plea for the Lakers to take this route. They’ve got plenty of potential targets during 2019 free agency, so giving up assets for Butler may not be the way to go. However, with the discussion heating up, it made sense to ponder what a package could look like.

Maybe a hypothetical Butler trade looks different than this proposal. In fact, that’s probably the case. However, seeing as it’s all speculation at this point, it doesn’t hurt to have another option on the table.