Jimmy Butler’s offseason plans are unknown, but the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets remain in the conversation.
Prior to the season, both the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets were reported to be on a list of preferred trade destinations for Jimmy Butler. Alas, neither team felt compelled to trade for the disgruntled All-Star.
Although the Philadelphia 76ers swooped in and traded for Butler, the door is still ajar for Butler to make his way to the Big Apple according to Sean Deveney of Sporting News.
“There have been chemistry issues with Butler, though certainly not on the scale we saw in Minnesota, and front-office sources believe he will angle to go to either Brooklyn or New York, with the Clippers a possibility, too,” writes Deveney.
The interest from the Knicks and Nets remains unclear, but both could stand to add an All-Star talent on the wing. Butler is sure to sign a max deal.
The Knicks have the ability to sign two max free agents this summer and Butler would definitely slot in nicely alongside a player like Kyrie Irving or Kemba Walker. Knicks fans seem to have their hearts set on Kevin Durant, but Butler is another realistic option on the wing even though he isn’t the same player Durant is.
With enough maneuvering, the Nets should be able to re-sign D’Angelo Russell and add a max player as well. They could really use a wing player like Butler. A player of his caliber could be the missing link for Brooklyn.
Although Butler will certainly sign a max deal, he comes with some concerns. He’s been a malcontent for much of his career and he’s turning 30 in September.
