NBA Trade Rumors: 5 teams that should try to pry Jimmy Butler away from Heat

Miami Heat Jimmy Butler (Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports)
Miami Heat Jimmy Butler (Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports)
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New Orleans Pelicans
New Orleans Pelicans duo (Andrew Wevers-USA TODAY Sports)

New Orleans Pelicans

Just short of the midway point of the season, the New Orleans Pelicans had the best record in the Western Conference. Everything was beginning to click for the team and it appeared as if they were going to be a problem heading into the postseason. However, the team was decimated by injuries, and the entire season got derailed.

Heading into the offseason, the Pelicans could look to add a veteran star in an attempt to help the team take a tangible step forward in their build. Adding a player like Jimmy Butler could add an interesting twist to the Pelicans heading into next season. He would immediately add some toughness to the team on the wing and a leader that could stabilize and help develop the team’s young identity.

The big question is whether or not the Pelicans are in a place where they’re ready for such a move. I don’t think that’s a foregone conclusion. However, even just the thought of Jimmy on the Pelicans is extremely appealing. The question is, would the Pelicans pull the trigger?