This thought experiment explores the hypothetical scenario of a Jimmy Butler trade, analyzing its potential on-court benefits, financial ramifications, and what it could signal for the Celtics’ future decision-making.
Jimmy Butler to the Celtics could have happened before — twice, actually.
First, back at his draft in 2011, then President of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge was close to selecting him but ended up with JaJuan Johnson after a trade with the Nets. A few years later, Ainge could have traded for Jimmy Butler using the draft picks that turned into Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum.