3. Los Angeles Clippers

The Clippers are the most “complete” team on Butler’s list, as they competed well in a tough Western Conference last season, despite not making the playoffs. They have several talented players, including Patrick Beverley and Tobias Harris, with the latter having a career year last season.

The Clippers have a tested and proven head coach in Doc Rivers, and one of the best executives in the NBA in Jerry West. Organizational stability shouldn’t be an issue if Butler is traded to the Clippers.

On the court, Butler would fill a need that the Clippers have had since the Chris Paul/Blake Griffin era, and that’s a dynamic player on the wing. Butler is one of the best two-way players in basketball, with the ability to affect games both offensively and defensively. Butler has been an All-Star for each of the last four seasons, and he would give the Clippers a much-needed star to build around.

The question as far as the Clippers are concerned is what they would need to give up to get Butler. The Timberwolves would likely want as impressive of a trade package as possible, and that could end up hurting the Clippers’ roster should they build it around Butler. Jimmy Butler and Tobias Harris would be a great tandem for the Clippers to have, but in order to acquire Butler, Harris may need to be moved.

Still, the Clippers would be the best place of the three for Butler to go if he has aspirations of success. They’re the closest team to the playoffs on the list, and they have enough stability and veteran leadership within the organization to make the right decisions.

Next Up: Team 2