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Los Angeles Lakers: Three other trades to explore this summer

By Jason Reed

MEMPHIS, TN - APRIL 22: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs pumps his fist after making a three point shot against the Memphis Grizzlies in game four of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2017 NBA Playoffs at FedExForum on April 22, 2017 in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - APRIL 22: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs pumps his fist after making a three point shot against the Memphis Grizzlies in game four of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2017 NBA Playoffs at FedExForum on April 22, 2017 in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

Jimmy Butler is fed up with the Minnesota Timberwolves and since he is on an expiring deal, the Timberwolves really do not have much trade leverage with Butler. The trade returns for Butler are not going to be great, thus, the Lakers can capitalize and give themselves a better chance to contend with a lesser trade package than anything mentioned before.

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Fans do love Josh Hart and I get that but Butler is obviously a pretty significant upgrade from Hart. However, Hart does have enough promise to be included as the central young piece in this deal alongside a decent backup center option in Ivica Zubac.

The two draft picks are the most important things here as no other team would likely be willing to give up that much for Butler. Plus, contending teams that may be shopping Butler may not even have the draft picks to give up.

The Lakers are no strangers to trading draft picks in the past to land stars. This is just another move that showcases the Lakers’ great ability to strike while the iron is hot.

Butler may not be a long-term option but this would undoubtedly open the door for Kawhi Leonard next summer and still give the Lakers enough cap space to bring in another star as well. With a solid team led by LeBron James, the Lakers do not need those draft picks that will end up being in the high 20s anyways.

Los Angeles would be getting a second scoring option behind LeBron as well as a great defender. Lonzo Ball and Butler would be one of the best defensive backcourts in basketball and Butler, James and Ingram would be one of the best scoring trios.

Next: Lakers: Top 30 Greatest Players of All-Time

This trade gives the Lakers a starting five of Ball, Butler, Ingram, James and Lopez/McGee with Kuzma, Rajon Rondo, Lance Stephenson, Wagner and Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk off the bench.

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