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How the Detroit Pistons could land superstar Jimmy Butler

By Matthew Rolison

Apr 16, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) goes to the basket past Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) and center Kelly Olynyk (41) during the third quarter in game one of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 16, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) goes to the basket past Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) and center Kelly Olynyk (41) during the third quarter in game one of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /
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With rumors of Jimmy Butler shredding the rumor mill, the Detroit Pistons should take a jab at the perennial superstar, even if it means blowing up the roster.

Last night, D’Angelo Russell was shipped out to the Brooklyn Nets to make salary room for Paul George. The Los Angeles Lakers were trying to nab another top-12 pick in this years draft, but none of the lottery teams were biting. This includes the Detroit Pistons. Could this mean they are angling for something better? Say, Jimmy Butler?

Related Story: What does passing on Russell mean?

This has proven to be one of the busiest and more exciting off-seasons in recent memory, but Detroit has been suspiciously quiet.

After passing on Russell, what could Detroit have cooked up? Probably not this:

This trade is the definition of blowing things up, but for Butler, is it worth it? Detroit would be unloading Andre Drummond and Reggie Jackson‘s max contracts, as well as shedding Tobias Harris. The Pistons would also be saying goodbye to Ish Smith, Stanley Johnson, and Henry Ellenson.

The NBA trade machine does not include draft picks, but in this trade Detroit would ship out their 12th pick to Chicago, swapping with Chicago’s 16th pick.

But in return, Detroit receives Jimmy Butler, Robin Lopez, Jerryd Bayless, Gerald Henderson, and Cameron Payne. This would create a starting lineup of: Cameron Payne or Bayless, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Jimmy Butler, Marcus Morris, and Robin Lopez.

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Whichever of the two point guards that do not start will be coming in with the second unit. Gerald Henderson would be a nifty backup for Caldwell-Pope.

Since Detroit and Chicago would be swapping picks, the Pistons find themselves dropping farther back in the draft. But, the draft is filled with deep talent and Detroit could still find someone at 16.

Chicago would be taking a risk on Drummond and Jackson, but would also be moving up in the draft and obtaining young prospects in Johnson and Ellenson. Philadelphia easily agrees to this trade, since they are only giving up Bayless and Henderson. They would be getting a starting-caliber forward in Harris and high-potential big Bobby Portis.

Next: Detroit was wise to pass on Russell

This trade is the epitome of dreaming, but Jimmy Butler on the Pistons should make any Piston salivate. Would you pull the trigger on this blockbuster trade?

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