It could be an interesting offseason in the NBA with some big-name players potentially changing teams. This summer may be chalk full of trade rumors with stars Jimmy Butler and Paul George possibly on the block.
Butler, who has been mentioned in trade rumors frequently, could be the more likely of the two to be traded during the offseason. George, however, seems increasingly more frustrated with his situation with the Indiana Pacers.
According to Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer, the Chicago Bulls may finally be ready to part ways with Butler:
Paul George and Jimmy Butler were involved in trade rumors at the deadline, and all indications are that those conversations will resume this offseason. One front-office source told me recently that Butler is “as good as gone,” while George sounds like a player who wants out.
The Boston Celtics have been the one team linked to George and Butler more than any other due to the trade package they can put together. Boston is loaded with draft picks and tradable assets that would intrigue any team, and the Chicago Bulls could come calling to reignite talks as O’Connor suggests.
Chicago doesn’t seem to be going anywhere with their current roster and shaking things up by parting ways with their best player for draft picks is a smart way to go. Although Boston is a logical landing spot for Butler, the Lakers could also get involved in trade talks for the All-Star or simply take advantage of the situation to get either George or Butler.
The Lakers brass will be active this summer as Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka try to right the ship in Los Angeles with potential trades, free-agent signings, and bringing in talented young players via the NBA Draft.
Although the Lakers will have their options in the offseason, going the trade route might become that much more intriguing if both George and Butler are available. It is not beyond the realm of possibility that one of these two All-Stars is wearing purple and gold to start the 2017-18 NBA season.