How the Portland Trail Blazers Could Land Jimmy Butler This Offseason

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Jimmy Butler Philadelphia 76ers Portland Trail Blazers 2019 NBA free agency (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Role

Butler’s role has become somewhat complicated in Philadelphia. After trading for Tobias Harris, Butler might be the team’s fourth option on offense. Joel Embiid is their best player, and Ben Simmons will always have the ball in his hands due to his playmaking ability. Finally, Harris averages more field goal attempts than Butler since he joined the 76ers.

Remember, Butler’s preferred destinations were originally the Miami Heat, Brooklyn Nets, and LA Clippers. He would have been the go-to option on any of those teams this season. So, being a leader is something that Butler values, and rightfully so he just led the Timberwolves to their first playoff appearance 2004 last season.

Butler is not opposed to sharing a team, however. There have been persistent rumors that he is interested in teaming up with either Kyrie Irving or Kawhi Leonard. So, why not Damian Lillard? The Blazers can sell him on being the second option and playing with one of the best players in the game.