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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(Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /

1. Butler’s presence could set a plan in motion

According to NBC’s A. Sherrod Blakely, the Knicks are expected to heavily pursue Boston Celtics point guard Kyrie Irving in free agency next summer.

Prior to that, it was reported back in July by Sun-Times writer Joe Cowley that Irving and Butler are attempting to figure out a plan in which the two All-Stars can play together on the same team.

Given the elite status of his current squad, it would seem foolish for Kyrie to leave Boston, but if the Knicks were to employ one of his best friends and someone he’d love to play with, it would absolutely give them a leg up over the Celtics for Irving’s services.

Then there’s the financial aspect of it all. As of right now, the Knicks wouldn’t have enough money to sign both Irving and Butler as free agents. However, if the team were to acquire Butler via trade, they could re-sign him under the cap using his bird rights and then bring in Kyrie through free agency.

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Trading for Jimmy Butler is definitely a risk for a Knicks team that’s been so good in their patience ever since Scott Perry arrived. However, trading for him might also start a domino effect that could vault New York up the Eastern Conference hierarchy and bring the team back to on-court relevance.

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