3. Brooklyn Nets
The Brooklyn Nets were listed as one of Butler’s preferred trade destinations, so although that wish list doesn’t always factor in with where teams choose to trade a disgruntled star, recent examples should light a fire under general manager Sean Marks‘ butt.
The Lakers were once Paul George’s preferred trade destination, but the Thunder swooped in with a trade and were able to convince him to re-sign in free agency. The Celtics have a decent shot at doing the same with Kyrie Irving, who once listed Boston as a preferred trade destination (albeit once he expanded his list).
In other words, if the Nets want to land their first legitimate star and reload for free agency pursuits, they shouldn’t hesitate to at least reach out. Offering a 3-point sniper like Allen Crabbe (37.8 percent on 7.1 attempts per game last year), a young player with promise like Jarrett Allen and a first round pick could get it done.
The Nets love Allen’s potential as a defensive, rim-rolling big, but if they can put their name on the map by trading for Butler, it’d be worth the risk. Crabbe is fully expendable considering his contract, and although Brooklyn fans shudder at the thought of losing another first-rounder, it’d be worth it in this case (especially if some protections were placed on the pick). They also have Denver’s top-12 protected pick to offer instead of their own selection.
If that’s not something the Timberwolves are interested in, or if Brooklyn would rather go another route, perhaps D’Angelo Russell, DeMarre Carroll and the rights to swap first-rounders in 2019 would work?
Russell didn’t explode onto the scene during his first season as “the man” in Brooklyn, but perhaps uniting him with his buddy Karl-Anthony Towns would unleash a dynamic pick-and-roll duo. Carroll feels like a Thibs guy through and through, given his defense, positional versatility and 3-point touch (37.1 percent last year).
If that’s still not what Thibs prefers, or if giving up on Russell that soon is not in Brooklyn’s best interest, substituting in Caris LeVert and upgrading the pick from a swap to an outright first-rounder might entice the Wolves:
The Nets have options, so even though they’re reportedly third on Butler’s list, the fact that they’re even in the running for a legitimate superstar — and could sign another one or two in free agency next summer — means this could finally be Sean Marks’ music.