The Jimmy Butler trade sweepstakes have begun, and one surprise team may get involved in the action.
The Sacramento Kings have available salary cap space that they might be able to use to either facilitate a three-way trade or to try for Butler themselves, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Sacramento has the lowest payroll entering the season at around $90 million. That’s more than $10 million less than any other team. If the Timberwolves are going to trade Butler, they’d like to unload the contract of backup center Gorgui Dieng, who is owed $48 million. The Kings apparently have been aggressive in trying to be involved in the trade talks, making it known that they can absorb salary to facilitate a trade.
What’s in it for them? The Kings do not have a first-round pick in next year’s draft, which is a major loss considering they’re likely to be a lottery-type team. If they’re able to get a first-round pick in exchange for taking on salary, they will have in effect bought themselves back a pick, which could be a very good use of the money.
This will be something to watch as teams vie for Butler. We’ve heard of a few teams trying to make a move for the four-time All-Star, including an interesting Eastern Conference team.
