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Los Angeles Lakers: Players worth trading a first-round pick for

By Jason Reed

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 04: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers collides with Lou Williams #23 of the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half of a game at Staples Center on March 04, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 04: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers collides with Lou Williams #23 of the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half of a game at Staples Center on March 04, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

2. Jimmy Butler

This one would take a special set of circumstances but would not be all that outlandish to see happen, especially with Jimmy Butler.

Butler has a player option after this season to become an unrestricted free agent. If he were to opt into his contract, he would get paid $19.8 million next season. However, with Butler’s own self-evaluation, it is likely he opts out.

Butler wants that max contract and is going to be pushing for at least $30 million per season. However, due to his past with the Minnesota Timberwolves and his not-so-seamless transition to the 76ers, his value might be at an all-time low.

While he is a top-20 NBA player, his locker room morale and presence is going to keep any team from offering him a multi-year contract. Right now, the best Butler might get is a two-year, $50 million contract.

If Butler realizes that but does not want to play for the 76ers then he can approach the team and tell them that he will opt into his contract to conduct a sign and trade.

The reason this would make sense for the Lakers is they would be getting a second star for a discounted rate in 2019 without committing to the headache that Butler is long-term. If it works out, the team can re-sign Butler using Bird Rights and also go after Anthony Davis in free agency.

If it doesn’t work out then there are no long-term financial drawbacks and the team would be open to moving on. That is better than selecting a rookie that won’t make a difference.

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