I wouldn't disagree that Butler is one of the best 2's in the league, especially as an all around player. That also speaks a bit to how poor the depth of 2's in league currently is though.Yup. And the list of two way shooting guards as good as or better than Jimmy butler is not (Klay)
To me as a Wolves fan, it's not about Lavine vs Butler though. Obviously that's a no brainer. It's the sum of all parts that are being rumored in what could be a deal for Butler (something like Lavine, Dieng, #5 pick, plus more).
Lavine - Bag on him all you want, he's a 21 year old that came into the league two years ago as an extremely raw player (started just one game at UCLA). In just his 2nd year in the league, he improved drastically and finished the year averaging 14/3/3 on 45/39/80 shooting with admittedly too many turnovers. He's not a PG, and God bless the Wolves for finally figuring that out after this rookie season. I would agree with a previous poster that he lacks awareness and I think that's one aspect where he will always be a bit deficient. Doubtful he's ever considered a top five 2-guard, but the talent and drive seems to be there to continue to develop. Currently, again at age 21, he's instant offense off the bench and at minimum a valuable rotation player with the potential to develop into much more.
Dieng - I've been extremely impressed by the development in Dieng. Actually one of the most consistent Wolves, and someone with the ability to be a rotation player on a championship caliber team. Has improved quite a bit in three years, though he's at his upside IMO. Averaged 10/7/2 on 54/83 shooting last year. His ability to hit 18 footers is key in today's game. Not someone I'd lose sleep over if they parted with, but also not an immaterial piece IMO.
#5 Pick - I don't remember the last draft where I felt a pick in this range was going to mesh perfectly with a team's needs as much as I do about the Wolves at #5 this year. Hield and Murray are two of the best shooters to come out in the past few draft classes IMO, and shooters (along with defenders though Tibbs should help in that regard) are the primary thing that this Wolves team needs. With all the other talent in this draft, I doubt that Murray and Hield both go at picks 3/4 in some order leaving one for the Wolves. And if they don't go 3 and 4, I think either is the no brainer choice for the Wolves. Do I think either will develop into the all-around player that Butler is? I don't. But either would provide a huge boost being able to knock down 3's playing with a Wolves lineup full of players whom can set up shooters. Rubio as one of the best setup guards in the league, Towns commanding huge amounts of attention inside and out, and Wiggins as pretty dangerous scorer. That's a heck of a core, and one I'd love to see Tibbs work with. Then throw in some key rotation players like Lavine, Dieng, and even Tyus and I think the Wolves are in business if they can just add another contributing piece or two.
Would I hate it if the Wolves did a deal like the above and were able to roll out Rubio, Butler, Wiggins, KAT, and _______? No. But I'm fearful that their extreme lack of depth in that scenario wouldn't be easily filled and would ultimately be their downfall. On top of that, that's a very poor three point shooting team in today's NBA.
For the record, I'd much rather trade Wiggins plus something immaterial (future pick?) for Butler than I would move Lavine/Dieng/#5 plus potentially more.