Minnesota Timberwolves reportedly in on Jimmy Butler again
The Minnesota Timberwolves are rumored to be after Bulls superstar Jimmy Butler… again.
We’ve heard this before. The Minnesota Timberwolves are once again in the hunt for the services of Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler, according to a tweet by Adrian Wojnarowski.
Sources: Chicago’s price for Jimmy Butler remains elevated, but Minnesota has assets and interest. Sides made preliminary contact this week.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 19, 2017
Wojnarowski’s tweet suggests the Timberwolves have the young assets and draft picks that could help the Bulls rebuild after two mediocre seasons. Two names to watch in trade talks are Zach LaVine and Kris Dunn, who the Bulls rated highly heading into the 2016 NBA Draft. LaVine would likely be the headliner in such deal, giving the Bulls a young, dynamic shooting guard to build around.
These rumors are nothing new, as Timberwolves coach Tom Thibodeau has attempted to acquire Butler before after coaching him for four seasons in Chicago. In fact, Butler was in trade rumors to Minnesota last offseason prior to the 2016 NBA Draft.
This time around, a deal may come down to whether the Bulls are okay with an offer that doesn’t include budding-star Andrew Wiggins, who the Wolves seem set on keeping.
More from Sporting Sota
- Minnesota Twins bullpen will be their downfall
- Top 5 Minnesota Twins Pitching Prospects
- Kyle Rudolph signing gives stability to Minnesota Vikings offense
- Jake Odorizzi’s emergence fueling Twins starting staff
- Former Minnesota Twins player David Ortiz shot
In Butler, the Timberwolves would get a veteran leader entering his prime that could help the team snap their 13-year playoff drought and attract free agents to Minnesota. Teamed with Karl-Anthony Towns and Wiggins, the Timberwolves could potentially compete with the Golden State Warriors in years to come.
While a Butler-to-Minnesota deal is intriguing, the Wolves will have plenty of competition. The Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics and Phoenix Suns are also reportedly in on the three-time All-Star with the former likely needing a third team to complete a deal.
Interestingly, the Cavaliers would likely trade former Wolves forward Kevin Love to that third team, who would then trade young assets and/or draft picks to the Bulls.
Butler boasts career averages of 15.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.5 steals, but has averaged 20 plus points in each of his last three seasons. Last season, Butler had career-highs of 23.9 points, 6.2 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game.
Next: Andre Iguodala to Wolves?!
Sporting Sota is your home for all things Minnesota sports! Keep it here for all your Timberwolves, Gophers, Vikings, Wild, Twins and Lynx needs!