Going into the 2019 Free Agency at the start of next week, three NBA teams are reportedly working on landing Jimmy Butler of the Philadelphia 76ers and convincing him to switch allegiance. The choice for Butler includes the two teams from Los Angeles - the Clippers and the Lakers - and the Houston Rockets. And there is a bonus, which is the possibility of teaming up with Kawhi Leonard on his way to win an NBA ring.
The Clippers reached the playoffs last season, and understandably, they are set not only to improve on that achievement. The team wants a shot on the 2020 NBA Finals, and reportedly they are looking to recruit two top-caliber players, CBS Sports reported, adding the Clippers plan to deploy a formidable duo headlined by Butler and the Claw.
The same report indicated Butler and Leonard are mutually interested to see in action with the Clippers.
"There are many scenarios seemingly in play, but sources say one, in particular, looks increasingly possible: Butler teaming up with Leonard on the Clippers. There are strong indications that Leonard is interested in having Butler as a running mate, and it's the sort of powerful pairing that would certainly vault the Clippers into contention," the report said.
Should this initiative falter, Butler can still eye at least a season of playtime in the city, but with the Lakers and possibly with Leonard too, Bleacher Report said. This will play out depending on how LeBron James will receive the idea. If Butler gets the feeling that James welcomes him as a teammate, then he is a go.
But the Sixer must keep in mind that it is a crowded roster in the Lakers right now and he would need to work doubly hard to shine.
And perhaps more important, opting for the Lakers will mean Butler may need to forego a financial windfall coming from the Sixers. It's no secret his current team wishes Butler to stay so offering him a deal that is hard to refuse should be forthcoming.
According to Bleacher Report, the Sixers are likely to give Butler a five-year super-max to the tune of $189 million. If the player agrees on this and jettisons the dreamed partnership with Leonard, it's understandable.
The same applies if Butler flirts with the idea of joining the Houston Rockets. The Washington Post said the team is seriously preparing a slot for Butler that Clint Capela, Eric Gordon, and P.J. Tucker have been placed on the trade block. The main goal is to acquire a draft pick and create a cap space that will pave the way for Butler's entry.
It's quite clear Butler is a wanted man in the NBA, and wherever he chooses to go, only rosy prospects and exciting adventures are waiting for him.
