Jimmy Butler's name is back in trade rumors, with the Golden State Warriors considering a deal that would send him to the Boston Celtics for Jaylen Brown.
What happened?
The Warriors traded for Jimmy Butler two years ago, but his ACL injury in late January has raised questions about his future with the team.
Why it matters for Jimmy Butler
Butler is expected to return healthy by late October, which could make him an attractive trade target for the Celtics, who are seeking a talented player to pair with Jayson Tatum.
Butler's contract is expiring after the upcoming campaign, which means the Celtics could re-trade him for a player of similar financial value or let his contract play out and clear salary cap space.
What comes next?
The Warriors can offer three tradable first-round picks and attempt to use swaps and second-round assets to get up to the draft compensation the Celtics are seeking, which could be a strong offer for Boston.
Kendrick Perkins of ESPN pitched the idea of the Warriors trading for Jaylen Brown, saying it would be a good move for the team, even if Butler is healthy.
The Warriors owe it to Steph Curry to try and make a deal for Brown, who would be a great running mate for the 39-year-old Curry.
The Celtics are seeking four first-round picks for Brown, but the Warriors' offer could be enough to get the deal done, especially with the potential for salary cap relief.
The trade would also minimize the chances of Brown coming back to haunt the Celtics, as he would be playing in the Western Conference.
The Warriors' picks in 2028, 2030, and 2032 could be used to make the deal happen, and the team will face a difficult reshuffling of their roster in the coming years.
Butler's age and injury history make him a risk for the Celtics, but his talent and potential to pair with Tatum make him an attractive target.
The deal would be a significant shake-up for the NBA, with two of the league's top teams making a major trade.
The Warriors and Celtics will have to negotiate the details of the deal, but it's clear that both teams are interested in making a move.
The trade rumors will continue to swirl until a deal is made, with Jimmy Butler's future hanging in the balance.