The Portland Trail Blazers, who have long been looking for a third superstar to join Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum, could find one in the Minnesota Timberwolves' Jimmy Butler.
According to an article by Grant Hughes for Bleacher Report, Butler could be a prime target for Rip City by next season's trade deadline.
Jimmy Butler may be unhappy in Minnesota, and although adding him at the deadline creates a risk he'll bounce after opting out of his deal, it's possible Portland is ready to gamble. Ideally, the Blazers could build a package around Evan Turner and a first-round pick, but that'll only work if Butler makes it perfectly clear he's not going to re-sign with the Wolves.
The source also states that there is growing tension between Butler and the young Timberwolves players, particularly big man, Karl-Anthony Towns.
Article Continues BelowWhile there is an undeniable need for the Blazers, who are currently using a stop-gap solution of Evan Turner and Mo Harkless, they may need to sweeten the pot in order to land the four-time NBA All-Star.
Butler, who averaged 22.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 2.0 steals per game last season, is in his prime and has the ability to play shooting guard, small forward, and even a bit of small-ball power forward. He would give the Blazers another scorer, playmaker, and most importantly a certified perimeter defender, to catapult them into the West's elite.
But as of right now, all this is only speculation and nobody knows for certain if it will actually come to fruition. Still, it's an interesting side-story to re-visit as we get closer to the trade deadline.