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Toronto Raptors: Why a trade for Jimmy Butler is unlikely

By David Morassutti

ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 29: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts in the final seconds of their 105-100 loss to the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena on January 29, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 29: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts in the final seconds of their 105-100 loss to the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena on January 29, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Many NBA teams have reportedly shown interest in Jimmy Buttler including the Toronto Raptors but would the potential cost be worth it?

It looks like the Jimmy Butler sweepstakes are heating up and the Toronto Raptors are reportedly interested in making a deal according to Darren Wolfson of 5 Eyewitness. 

Now Wolfson’s report doesn’t specifically name Butler but with all the reports coming out of Minnesota especially the most recent from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, that’s the player Masai Ujiri probably wants from the Timberwolves.

While acquiring a player like Butler would only improve their odds of not only making the NBA Finals but give them a good shot at competing in it as well. However, this is not like the Kawhi Leonard situation because of how many teams have reported interest and the Raptors aren’t even among the favourites.

The Brooklyn Nets, Detroit Pistons, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, and Portland Trail Blazers are all among the teams that could get Butler and if Minnesota is serious then they’ll have a serious bidding war which doesn’t favour the Raptors obviously.

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While the Raptors could be a desirable spot, they don’t have the assets worth giving up in this situation. Minnesota would most certainly ask for Pascal Siakam or OG Anunoby which should be a non-starter in any trade conversation for a rental. This is probably why DeMar DeRozan and Jakob Poeltl were sent to San Antonio when most thought acquiring Leonard would cost at least one of those younger players.

If the Raptors can find a way to move off of Serge Ibaka and not deal either Siakam or Poeltl then maybe something could work out but the Timberwolves will probably have better offers elsewhere.

One team that’s willing to go big to acquire Butler according to reports Miami and apparent;y Minnesota also wants to move Gorgui Dieng as well which would provide some salary issues for Toronto. In the end, not getting Butler wouldn’t be the end of the world for the Raptors as long as Boston or Philadelphia don’t acquire him.

Next. Vince Carter provides interesting take on DeMar DeRozan trade. dark

Should the Raptors consider a deal for Butler? What would be the ideal package? Let us know in the comments below. 

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