New York Knicks: Three reasons to trade for Jimmy Butler

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – JANUARY 12: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves has the ball against the New York Knicks during the game on January 12, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)

With talent on the roster and money to spend next summer, it might make sense for the New York Knicks to go get Jimmy Butler right now.

Jimmy Butler made headlines recently when it was reported by The Athletic’s Shams Charania and Jon Krawczynski that the four-time All-Star had requested a trade out of Minnesota, with the New York Knicks being one of his preferred destinations.

This report comes right after Knicks president Steve Mills told the media the team wouldn’t trade for a player they believe can be acquired in free agency.

Asked by about past Knicks mistakes that the organization will avoid in the future, president Steve Mills says, “We’re not going to trade any of our (1st round) draft picks.” Mills adds that they aren’t going to trade assets for a player that they can sign in free agency.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) September 18, 2018

Such a statement from Mills is a welcome sight with the reputation New York has garnered as an organization always looking to fix their problems in an instant with ridiculous trades that compromise long-term future for short-term gains, but when it comes to a guy like Butler, now may actually be the time to pull the trigger on a deal.

The Knicks are slowly but surely building back up their reputation around the league, and Butler could be the piece needed to jumpstart a larger plan for the summer of 2019.