Ever since Lebron James signed with the Lakers in early July, he put Los Angeles back on the map again as a landing spot for star players. The next big free agent thats buzzing around the NBA is All-Star guard Jimmy Butler.
Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus stated that:
“Per a source close to Butler, he’s open to the idea of moving on from the Timberwolves to play alongside James in Los Angeles.”
This isn’t the first time rumors have circulated around Jimmy Butler coming to the Lakers. Few years back when Butler was on the Chicago Bulls, many speculated he would sign with Los Angeles in free agency, or via trade. But he ended up signing an extension with Chicago before being traded last year to Minnesota.
Butler’s first season in Minnesota was successful as he led the Timberwolves in scoring (22.2 points) and helped get them to the playoffs for the first time in 14 years.
This upcoming season will be Butler’s last under his current contract and will become a free agent next summer, unless he signs an extension. It’s likely that Butler will test free agency after the season, even if this year is a success in Minnesota. I don’t believe they will trade him away unless the team is struggling before the trade deadline.
