New York Knicks: Three reasons to trade for Jimmy Butler

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 12: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves dribbles the ball against Courtney Lee #5 of 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) /

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2. There’s no guarantee he’ll come in free agency

New York wasn’t the only destination Butler listed among locations he’d prefer to go. The Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers were two other teams cited, with the Clippers being his preferred landing spot per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

This doesn’t mean Butler wouldn’t be interested in staying in New York long-term, but what it should say to the Knicks front office is that if they really want this guy, they shouldn’t give others a shot at him as well.

Brooklyn will have the money to bring in another star player next to Butler. The same goes for the Clippers, only they have the added bonus of one of the greatest executives ever in Jerry West to do the recruiting.

The Knicks — and New York in general — are an attractive option for Butler both on and off the court, but they certainly aren’t head and shoulders above both LA and Brooklyn as an organization. One could argue they’re actually behind given their ownership.

If Steve Mills and Scott Perry truly believe Butler could be another piece in a potential championship puzzle, they can’t afford to take a chance and risk losing out on the Jimmy Butler sweepstakes, especially to an in-town rival.

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