We’re at mid-week and Jimmy Butler still hasn’t been traded from the Minnesota Timberwolves, even though the owner of the team has instructed Coach Tom Thibodeau to do so in a matter of days. On Monday when media day began, reports came out that Butler has three preferred destinations: the Los Angeles Clippers, Brooklyn Nets and New York Knicks.
With other teams inquiring and being aggressive in the market, it seems like Jimmy has had a change of heart and now prefers the Miami Heat.
Jimmy Butler and his agent Bernie Lee have informed Wolves ownership that Miami is Butler's preferred trade destination, league sources say
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) September 26, 2018
This is bad news for the three teams he originally chose because it could mean they’re low-balling the Timberwolves in an attempt to trade for him.
Considering how hard Pat Riley has been going for Butler, it will be interesting to see what packages they’re willing to part with, especially since they don’t have as much pieces as other teams would. Would Minnesota take Hassan Whiteside? What players/picks would the Heat be comfortable parting with?
The saga doesn’t seem like it will be over any time soon, but the Nets, Clippers and Knicks need to step their game up if they want to lock up Butler for the long run.
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