NBA Rumors: Cavs nearly traded for Jimmy Butler before Griffin’s exit
NBA Rumors: The Cleveland Cavaliers nearly traded for Jimmy Butler before David Griffin’s exit from the organization
With limited flexibility cap this summer, the Cleveland Cavaliers have done little to improve a team that fell in five games to the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals.
They’ve added Jose Calderon, Cedi Osman and Jeff Green over the last couple of weeks. Although, neither of those moves will make a significant impact against the Warriors. Someone that probably would’ve is Jimmy Butler, whom the team was reportedly targeting before the NBA Draft.
A deal never materialized and Butler eventually found himself on the Minnesota Timberwolves. Interestingly, according to Jeff Zillgitt of USA Today, the Cavaliers were reportedly close to acquiring Butler.
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However, that’s when Dan Gilbert decided to move on from David Griffin.
"[via USA Today]Further exacerbating James’ frustration is the Cavs were close to making a deal for then-Chicago Bulls All-Star Jimmy Butler the day Gilbert decided to mutually part ways with Griffin and Redden, two people familiar with negotiations told USA TODAY Sports."
LeBron James is reportedly frustrated with the lack of moves that the Cavs have made to improve their team this summer. Even though the team has been cap-strapped since LeBron’s arrival, they’ve managed to improve their roster nearly every year. However, a lot of that was due to David Griffin’s wizardry. He’s no longer the general manager.
And it begs the question, will whoever replaces him have that same knack to find a way when there isn’t one? So far, that answer is no.
All respect to Green, Calderon and Osman but neither of those players closes the gap on arguably the greatest team of all-time.
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The clock is ticking on the Cavs. And with players like Jimmy Butler and Paul George off the market, you’d have to wonder if this dysfunctional organization is pushing LeBron James out the door again. LeBron hits free agency – along with Dwyane Wade, Chris Paul and possibly Carmelo Anthony after this season.