Feb 14, 2015; New York, NY, USA; Eastern Conference guard Jimmy Butler of the Chicago Bulls (21, left) and guard John Wall of the Washington Wizards (2, right) talk during practice at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Washington Wizards Should Trade For Butler

Over the past several years, the Washington Wizards have garnered some success after rebuilding their team through the draft. They landed the likes of John Wall, Bradley Beal, Otto Porter and Kelly Oubre – all of whom could be considered a part of the team’s core – by acquiring top picks.

Years of brutal basketball helped the Wizards secure lottery picks and ultimately experience some success in the NBA Playoffs.

Prior to this season, we all expected the Wizards to continue climbing the ladder, but they obviously haven’t. Two trips to the Eastern Conference Semi-finals didn’t help the Wizards become a top team in the conference. Instead, they’ve become one of the most disappointing teams in the league.

Continuity works for some teams, especially those that didn’t botch countless draft picks and free agent signings. The Washington Wizards are not one of those teams.

It’s become painfully obvious that the Wizards need to make changes, both in coaching and management. But, they also need to make changes to their roster.

Washington will attempt and likely fail to sign Kevin Durant this summer, which should prompt them to look at other top free agents such as Hassan Whiteside, DeMar DeRozan, Dwight Howard and others.

Still, there’s no guarantee that they will have a chance to sign any of the aforementioned players. Signing a player like Whiteside and Howard will come with many risks, too.

Instead of taking a risk on a free agent, Washington could look to make changes to their roster by changing their core.

If the Wizards want to avoid wasting another season of John Wall’s prime, they should look to acquire another star immediately. While their young core is impressive, it will still take years for someone like Oubre to become a game-changer. Beal is four years into his career and hasn’t taken “the leap.” Porter has become a solid wing player, but will never be a star.

Washington could look to trade pieces of their core for someone who’s already reached star level, and that someone could be Chicago Bulls guard/forward Jimmy Butler.

According to Chris Mannix (h/t Sports Illustrated), the Bulls could look to part ways with their All-Star:

The Vertical’s Chris Mannix reported that he has heard there is “legitimate interest in Chicago” in potentially dealing Butler this summer, with the Magic showing particular interest in the two-time All-Star.

Averaging over 20 points, five rebounds and four assists per game, Butler has blossomed into one of the better wing players in the NBA. His relationship with new Bulls head coach, Fred Hoiberg, has been inconsistent – to say the least – and Chicago’s management seems to have plenty of faith in the young coach.

The Bulls are in a similar position as the Washington Wizards, except they lack real young talent.

Derrick Rose – as painful as it is to say – is never going to be an All-Star again.

His game does not mesh well with Butler’s and the team’s front court is banged up.

Pau Gasol is past his prime and will be an unrestricted free agent.

Joakim Noah has been run into the ground as well.

Doug McDermott and Bobby Portis are arguably the best young players the Bulls have on their roster. Nikola Mirotic has been disappointing this season after having a rookie year that was worthy of award consideration.

Chicago will likely miss the NBA Playoffs for the first time in what feels like forever. Butler has been outspoken and will probably get a ton of interest around the league. Teams that miss out on their top free agent targets, which could include the Washington Wizards, will undoubtedly ask about his availability.

Pairing Wall up with Butler would instantly make the Wizards a better defensive club. Unlike Beal, Butler has been known for his grit and willingness to carry the team when called upon. He’s improved his offensive game and would take a ton of pressure off Wall. A Wall and Butler combo would be the second best back court in the NBA.

Washington could offer a few pieces from their core in exchange for Butler. The Bulls could get Beal back in a sign-and-trade, which should at least spark their interest. Beal, who’s four years younger than Butler, would give the Bulls a young guard with star potential.

Wall is going to be 26-years-old in the off-season and the Washington Wizards are going to run out of time to compete for a championship. Beal is going to need time to develop and he’s been incredibly unreliable. Wall only has three years left on his contract and could ask for a trade if things don’t improve soon.

Waiting around for the young talent to get better while knowing that improvement isn’t guaranteed is dangerous. Butler is already a top player and might need a change of scenery. If he’s seriously available, whoever is running the Washington Wizards in the summer needs to pick up the phone and call Chicago.