LeBron James and Kyrie Irving have reached out to Jimmy Butler directly and through back channels over the past five days to gauge his interest in joining them with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Butler could even push the Chicago Bulls' front office to trade him to the Cavaliers. Butler has told Gar Forman and John Paxson numerous times that he doesn't want to be traded.

A third team would need to be involved in making a Butler to Cleveland trade possible. The Phoenix Suns have interest in trading their lottery pick for Kevin Love, which could help facilitate the Cavs' efforts for Love.

“Jimmy wants to win, period,’’ a source said. “Whatever it takes to get that done.’’