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Cleveland Cavaliers trade rumors: Jimmy Butler not a realistic target for Dan Gilbert

By Nick Dudukovich

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 25: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks to pass the ball during the first half of the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at the Staples Center on December 25, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Josh Lefkowitz/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 25: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks to pass the ball during the first half of the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at the Staples Center on December 25, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Josh Lefkowitz/Getty Images) /
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The Cleveland Cavaliers have been linked to Jimmy Buttler in trade rumors, but is the idea of landing the 29-year-old a real possibility?

When Adrian Wojnarowski Tweets it, you pay attention to it.

That’s why fans of Cleveland Cavaliers are being thrown into a frenzy with the rumor of Jimmy Butler landing on the north shore.

Wojnarowski tweeted that Dan Gilbert was seen talking with Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor at an NBA Board of Governors meeting. Woj also reminded us of all of the deal the two bosses struck to facilitate the Kevin Love for Andrew Wiggins deal during the summer of 2014.

A few things to ponder here:

• Butler, 29, can be a free agent after next season. He’s due $20.4 million this season.

• What to the Cavs have to give up for Butler? Kevin Love, whom they just extended? Not likely. Rookie Collin Sexton? I’ve seen enough that I wouldn’t want to part with his upside for someone like Butler, who is a great player, but not necessarily elite. His upcoming free agency is also a factor.

• What about a draft pick? If the Cavs’ draft pick falls out out of the top 10, next summer, Cleveland won’t have the pick.

• Minnesota would ideally like to contend in the West with a team built around Karl Anthony-Towns. In the NBA, the salary totals have to match, so perhaps a combination of Tristan Thompson and Kyke Korver, two very good role players, would be appealing.

• I’m not saying Minnesota wins this trade, in fact when run through the NBA tare machine, the T-Wolves lose 11 games when factoring in this swap. I’m just trying to figure out how the Cavs make it happen.

• This deal will likely be chalked up to another rumor that doesn’t come to fruition. Gilbert’s an active owner who’s probably feeling a little extra motivated after losing LeBron James for a second time. Adding Butler would equate to making a big splash.

But without a first-round draft pick to offer, it’s unlikely the Cavs’ come away with Butler. The T-Wolves should be able to do better elsewhere.

Butler averaged 22.2 points and 4.9 assists last season. Brooklyn, Detroit, Houston, Clippers, Miami and Philadelphia are said to have made calls regarding Butler.

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Wojnarowski previously reported that Taylor would like to trade Butler before the start of training camp and his situation becomes an even bigger distraction.

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