What the deal would look like
McCollum and Butler’s contracts are similar but not completely matched (CJ makes about $5-million more than Butler). To get the deal to go through, the Wolves would need to shed about around $100,000 extra in salary.
So, perhaps the teams switch two prospects along with their stars – the Blazers likely having to give up a more intriguing one than the Timberwolves.
My idea looks something like this:
Would you do it?
Right now, the Blazers are handcuffed by their salary cap to add anything in the way of new star-quality talent. If Butler becomes available, this could be the best way to shake-up the team and provide a whole new look that ultimately raises Portland’s ceiling.
Though Butler may ultimately be a one-year rental, he would easily raise the team’s odds to win 50 games and comfortably make the playoffs. And coming off the books next year wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world.
The Blazers would then have $20-million or more left open to sign a high-level free agent in the stacked 2019 class.
I say if there’s any chance that the deal could happen, you’ve got to make the splash. Show Lillard and the fans of Portland that the Blazers are willing to do anything to win. And hey, maybe this winning mentality makes an impression on Butler, too.