Los Angeles Lakers

Before you yell at me with your: “Why would the Lakers trade for Butler? They’ll just sign him next offseason” propaganda, remember what happened this in this offseason. For two years, all signs pointed to Paul George heading West and playing under the Hollywood spotlight.

Now, George is universally hated by Lakers’ fans. The lesson? The NBA is a fluid league. A lot can change in a matter of years, months, even days. As much as Butler signing in the City of Angels makes sense, there is no guarantee he does. Maybe he gets a better offer somewhere else.

Due to Butler’s impending free agency, the Lakers would be able to keep Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram in any Butler trade.

Proposed trade package:

Lakers receive: Jimmy Butler

Timberwolves receive: Josh Hart, Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

The Lakers are giving up two promising young assets here but they retain their two most important assets moving forward here–Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram–, making this trade a win for the Lakers. Getting Jimmy Butler accustomed to LA life and life with LeBron James and his teammates could be enough to convince him to resign long term.

James will have at least three more years in Los Angeles. The Lakers also give Butler the chance to sign even longer term if Ball and Ingram can develop into All-Star caliber players.

Minnesota gets two solid young players to work around in Kuzma and Hart. Hart’s gritty, tough defensive mindset and versatile scoring ability fits perfectly with what the Timberwolves need. Kuzma proved in his rookie season that he can score baskets in bunches and will provide valuable offense and spacing for an offense that often stagnates.

Caldwell-Pope provides good ‘3-and-D’ depth on an expiring contract. If the Lakers want to secure their future and give them a real shot at competing with the Warriors in the next few seasons, Magic Johnson would be wise to give the Timberwolves a call.

Next Up: Team 4