On Saturday, the NBA trade rumors involving Jimmy Butler finally came to a close. Butler was officially traded by the Minnesota Timberwolves to the Philadelphia 76ers, creating a shift in Eastern Conference power. It also eliminated the dramatic cloud that was hanging over Minnesota this season. Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James was asked his thoughts about the move which seems to bolster the Sixers' lineup.

LeBron James on Butler trade

With a Lakers game scheduled for Saturday night, LeBron James was on hand to speak to the media in California.

Naturally, he was asked about the NBA trade. King James spoke about how he feels the Jimmy Butler deal will impact the Sixers. First, he spoke about his impression of the trade and how good it was for the teams, as well as Butler.

LeBron mentioned that everyone knew what had been going on in Minnesota with Jimmy Butler, so "it's good for both sides I guess." When asked if this helps the Philadelphia 76ers achieve "contender status," James said, "I think they were a contender before so it enhances what they're able to do."

When asked if having the situation resolved in Minnesota is "good for the league," LeBron James shrugged that off. He suggested that the ratings are doing fine in the NBA and this sort of stuff seems to happen each year.

James, Butler unlikely to play for same team

Butler and James' names both came up quite a bit this past summer. Some fans and analysts speculated that the Lakers might try to bring one or the other, or both players to their roster. There were also rumors for some time that the Philadelphia 76ers had a strong shot at landing James in free agency.

Now, they've got All-Star Jimmy Butler, after speculation last month. While Butler isn't LeBron, he is certainly among the best talents in the league on both sides of the ball.

It seems now that there's less likelihood of LeBron James and Jimmy Butler joining forces on the same roster. The ESPN report, regarding the Jimmy Butler trade on Saturday, suggests that Philadelphia will do what is necessary to sign him to a long-term deal.

Reportedly, they can offer him a five-year max contract that's worth $191 million.

Meanwhile, LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers will continue to try to pick up wins. They've moved past the Rajon Rondo vs Chris Paul fight that seems like it was months ago. The team is near the .500 mark and looking for more. They're currently outside of the Western Conference's top eight, so as of today playoffs wouldn't be in their plans. However, there's plenty of NBA season left to go.

For those wondering, LeBron James and the Lakers take on Jimmy Butler and the Sixers on Tuesday, January 29 at Staples Center.
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