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New York Knicks: 3 reasons not to trade for Jimmy Butler

ByKenneth Teape|
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 12: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves has the ball against Lance Thomas #42 of the New York Knicks during the game on January 12, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 12: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves has the ball against Lance Thomas #42 of the New York Knicks during the game on January 12, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
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New York Knicks
Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images

The New York Knicks were named as one of Jimmy Butler’s preferred landing spots. However, the Knicks should avoid the temptation of trading for him for these three reasons.

The New York Knicks have been a popular team in rumors recently.

First, it was reported that New York would be in the running for Kyrie Irving in free agency should he opt out of his contract with the Boston Celtics. Now, the Knicks are in the running for Jimmy Butler.

Butler met with Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Tom Thibodeau in Los Angeles earlier this week.

A change of location was odd, but now we know why: Butler has no intentions of returning to Minnesota, as he would like to be traded. One of the teams on that list was the Los Angeles Clippers, so maybe he was hoping a deal would be struck quickly and he would be in his new hometown already.

In addition to the Clippers, the Knicks and Brooklyn Nets were also mentioned as places Butler wanted to be traded to.

As ESPN‘s Adrian Wojnarowski notes, the Knicks, Clippers and Nets all have max cap space moving forward to offer Butler. All three teams are looking to add a superstar to get their organizations back on track.

As tempting as it may be to acquire Butler, the Knicks should avoid the temptation and pass on this opportunity. Unless it comes at a very discounted price, which is unlikely since Thibodeau doesn’t want to trade Butler right now, New York should not get involved.

While Butler is undoubtedly talented, the Knicks should not trade for him and these are three reasons why.

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