Getty Gallery: 4/5
Los Angeles Clippers
The appeal of playing for the Clippers does take a bit of a hit when considering how stacked the Western Conference is. With that said, Butler has the interest and we know Kawhi Leonard originally wanted to be dealt there. It's unknown if Leonard will choose to stay with the Toronto Raptors beyond this season, but if he doesn't, the Clippers are likely to be the frontrunners to sign him.
So if the Clips are able to pair up Butler and Leonard, and then possibly add another max-level player next offseason (it'd be close, but could happen), it makes things interesting. Both Los Angeles teams would be pretty stacked at that point, and there's no question Butler is well aware of how much cash the potential suitors he originally named will have next offseason.
Way back when all this trade fun started in mid-September, Wojnarowski reported that Butler was "determined" to find a way to the Clippers.
While Butler may have his sights set more on the Heat currently, it seems obvious he'd be more than happy to wind up in Los Angeles. But the big question involves what the team would choose to give up, especially if they're confident they can lure him to town in free agency.
What Could Be Included in a Jimmy Butler-Clippers Deal?
I actually believe the Clippers have the ability to offer the most straightforward deal which could be worth Minnesota's while. If they were to send Lou Williams and Tobias Harris to the Timberwolves in exchange for Butler, it'd benefit both sides, although the Clippers would be quite a bit weaker for the 2018-19 season.
With that said, if the Clippers swung a deal for Butler, their focus would go far beyond this season, as the team is in a rebuild regardless. Both Williams and Harris are two names to consider, but honestly, they're just a starting point as the team has to be willing to deal almost anyone on the roster.
The only player Minnesota is unlikely to get in a Butler package would be rookie Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Beyond that, the Timberwolves could essentially create whatever package they feel comfortable with. This would include a mixture of players they see as long-term answers to their needs and potential expiring contracts.
If the Timberwolves and Clippers really put their heads together, this potential package could be a nice one and really, the deal that makes the most sense.
Specific Trade Possibility
*We used ESPN's Trade Machine to evaluate a possible deal, and this worked out for both sides.
Timberwolves Receive
– Tobias Harris
– Lou Williams
Clippers Receive
– Jimmy Butler
I decided to go straight with this one, as I think an offer of Harris and Williams should get the job done. Whether the Timberwolves feel that way is unknown, but there's an argument to be made that this package could be one of the best for Minnesota.