Washington Wizards Should Trade For Jimmy Butler

Washington Wizards Should Trade For Butler

Over the past several years, the Washington Wizards have garnered some success after rebuilding their team through the draft. They landed the likes of John Wall, Bradley Beal, Otto Porter and Kelly Oubre – all of whom could be considered a part of the team’s core – by acquiring top picks.

Years of brutal basketball helped the Wizards secure lottery picks and ultimately experience some success in the NBA Playoffs.

Prior to this season, we all expected the Wizards to continue climbing the ladder, but they obviously haven’t. Two trips to the Eastern Conference Semi-finals didn’t help the Wizards become a top team in the conference. Instead, they’ve become one of the most disappointing teams in the league.

Continuity works for some teams, especially those that didn’t botch countless draft picks and free agent signings. The Washington Wizards are not one of those teams.

It’s become painfully obvious that the Wizards need to make changes, both in coaching and management. But, they also need to make changes to their roster.

Washington will attempt and likely fail to sign Kevin Durant this summer, which should prompt them to look at other top free agents such as Hassan Whiteside, DeMar DeRozan, Dwight Howard and others.

Still, there’s no guarantee that they will have a chance to sign any of the aforementioned players. Signing a player like Whiteside and Howard will come with many risks, too.

Instead of taking a risk on a free agent, Washington could look to make changes to their roster by changing their core.

If the Wizards want to avoid wasting another season of John Wall’s prime, they should look to acquire another star immediately. While their young core is impressive, it will still take years for someone like Oubre to become a game-changer. Beal is four years into his career and hasn’t taken “the leap.” Porter has become a solid wing player, but will never be a star.

Washington could look to trade pieces of their core for someone who’s already reached star level, and that someone could be Chicago Bulls guard/forward Jimmy Butler.

According to Chris Mannix (h/t Sports Illustrated), the Bulls could look to part ways with their All-Star:

"The Vertical’s Chris Mannix reported that he has heard there is “legitimate interest in Chicago” in potentially dealing Butler this summer, with the Magic showing particular interest in the two-time All-Star."

Averaging over 20 points, five rebounds and four assists per game, Butler has blossomed into one of the better wing players in the NBA. His relationship with new Bulls head coach, Fred Hoiberg, has been inconsistent – to say the least – and Chicago’s management seems to have plenty of faith in the young coach.

The Bulls are in a similar position as the Washington Wizards, except they lack real young talent.