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Could the Hornets Offer a Package Good Enough to Bring Jimmy Butler to Charlotte?

By Bryce Fields

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 05: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves defends against Dwayne Bacon #7 of the Charlotte Hornets during the game on November 5, 2017 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 - NOVEMBER 05: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves defends against Dwayne Bacon #7 of the Charlotte Hornets during the game on November 5, 2017 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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Yes, I understand it may be a little far-fetched. Bringing in an All-NBA player to a mediocre (for lack of a better word) team is hard. Either way, playing with the NBA Trade Machine is fun. If Butler wants out of Minnesota, maybe the Hornets could strike a deal to get him to Charlotte.

It seems Jimmy Butler and the Minnesota Timberwolves are at odds.  Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic tweeted that Butler and T-Wolves management would meet today about his future in Minnesota. Various reports have already said he was disgruntled due to the lack of winning-drive by young T-Wolves. The meeting with the front-office is either going to smooth things over, or pave the way for Butler’s departure.

Now, Hornets fans, here is the question; is there anyway Butler could windup in Charlotte? We have some young talent that look promising, strong role players, and upcoming draft picks. I took a look at some potential trade scenarios that could make Butler a Hornet:

Potential Trade #1:

  • CHA sends Jeremy Lamb, Marvin Williams, 2019 first-round, 2020 second-round picks to MIN for Butler

This is my absolute favorite scenario to bring in Butler. The Timberwolves were a playoff team last season, but struggled in three-point shooting, which really hurt them throughout the season. By acquiring Jeremy Lamb (37% 3-point shooter last season) and Marvin Williams (41% 3-point shooter last season), Minnesota brings in two proven shooters and adds much-needed depth to their roster. Despite losing Butler, bringing in marksmen to surround playmakers in Karl Anthony-Town, Andrew Wiggins, and Jeff Teague may actually make the team better overall. Not only that, but they can move Butler out of their own conference. The future draft picks are just icing on the cake.

(I don’t really think I need to explain why the trade makes sense for the Hornets – they bring in a 4x All-Star, 2x All-NBA, 4x All-Defense player. Butler’s resume speaks for him).

Potential Trade #2

  • CHA sends Nicolas Batum, Frank Kaminsky, Devonte Graham, and 2019 second-round pick to MIN for Butler and Gorgui Dieng

This trade scenario is has a little bit of a different narrative for why the T-Wolves should take it. Nicolas Batum and Frank Kaminsky are good role player and give them that depth, but that isn’t the real deal here. Gorgui Dieng hasn’t been horrible for the Wolves, but his 3-year, over $15 mil contract is a little steep for a backup center on a team that hardly uses their bench anyway. Batum carries a heavy contract as well, but his versatility and shooting ability makes him much more useful. Charlotte takes Dieng’s contract, gives up valuable role players, and in return, gets Butler.

More. Ranking the Top 5 Hornets Players of All-Time. light

Potential Trade #3

  • CHA sends Kemba Walker, Jeremy Lamb, and 2019 first-round pick for MIN Butler and Jeff Teague

Bare with me here, because I am getting a little crazy. The Hornets and Timberwolves are in different, but crucial situations: Charlotte is on the brink of a rebuild, while Minnesota is in win-now mode but hasn’t been that successful. This trade makes sense if both teams are willing to go all-in this season. The Timberwolves receive Walker, a top-tier point guard who wants to win, and a sharpshooter in Lamb, to insert in the starting lineup. Walker is a veteran star with late-game shot making capabilities, a perfect star to counter KAT down low and Andrew Wiggins on the wing. This maybe makes the starting lineup more solid (maybe, remember I said I was going to get a little creative), but is only guaranteed for this one year since Walker and Lamb are on contract years. The Hornets get Butler to build around, Teague to step in as the starting point guard, and more importantly, for the next two years. A Teague-Butler-Batum-Kaminsky-Cody Zeller starting lineup is very solid for the Eastern Conference, and could shake things up come playoff time.

Are all of these trade scenarios a little out there? Yes they are, but when it comes to bringing a bonified superstar like Jimmy Butler in, sometimes you have to think outside the box.

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