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Cleveland Cavaliers: 3 reasons to avoid Jimmy Butler trade

By Ryan Piers

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 23: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves talks to the media after the game against the Houston Rockets in Game Four of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 23, 2018 at 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 23: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves talks to the media after the game against the Houston Rockets in Game Four of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 23, 2018 at 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Jimmy Butler trade rumors
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1. Butler isn’t a leader

Following a rough loss during his final year with the Bulls, Butler and buddy Dwyane Wade apparently gossiped about teammates, with the two concocting similar criticisms of the young squad, which were then fed to the media. The move created a canyon-sized rift among teammates.

While in Minnesota, Butler was harsh on maturing Timberwolves teammates last season. His favorite targets were co-stars Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns. Maybe it was Butler’s way of firing up his compadres. Certainly, it backfired as Wiggins slowed in his progression.

The Cavaliers are a similar team to Butler’s last two stops: a young, impressionable squad with some slightly inflated egos. Yes, it’d be great if they absorbed Butler’s world-class work ethic that helped him evolve from community college player to 30th overall draft pick to elite NBA wing.

dark. Next. NBA trade rumors - 10 potential Jimmy Butler landing spots

Recent history suggests Butler will do the opposite, degrading his teammates while doing little to help their development. He struggles as a leader. Butler is better suited as a formidable piece on a team stacked with veterans. For that reason, it may be best he stay away from the Cavs. Or better yet, the Cavs stay away from him.

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