2. Brooklyn Nets
The Nets were perhaps the most surprising choice on Butler’s list of teams, but when you look past their recent hardships, it begins to make a bit more sense. The Nets play in Brooklyn, which means that Butler would be a star in one of the biggest markets on the planet.
They have also undergone a shift in philosophy, acquiring large expiring contracts in an effort to clear cap space for the future. They would theoretically be able to sign Butler to a very lucrative contract after he hits free agency next year – as well as other players to complement him.
Brooklyn was once again one of the league’s bottom feeders a season ago, but things have been improving. They have a good young point guard in D’Angelo Russell, and one of the more underrated players in the league in Spencer Dinwiddie. Butler would be coming into an organization on the rise, with young talent – conspicuously very similar to the situation he found himself in when he went to the Timberwolves.
Butler would be the centerpiece for the Nets, something that would likely improve both his morale and the team’s overall play. Brooklyn was one of the league’s worst defensive teams last season, and Butler could be the answer for an improvement on that side of the ball. In the new-look Eastern Conference, playoff spots will be up for grabs.
If they can pull off a trade for Jimmy Butler, the Brooklyn Nets would absolutely be in the discussion for one of those spots.
Next Up: Team 1
