Minnesota Timberwolves: examining trade scenarios for Jimmy Butler

NBA trade rumors are running rampant as Jimmy Butler’s time with the Minnesota Timberwolves is apparently coming to an abrupt end. Where the disgruntled Timberwolves’ star plays next remains to be seen.

Jimmy Butler remains away from the Minnesota Timberwolves as the team continues to explore trade offers for him. NBA trade rumors have placed Butler in several destinations. There is little doubt that the Timberwolves have received several overtures for him and a trade seems imminent.

It was not long ago when Butler met with Timberwolves’ head coach and president Tom Thibodeau regarding his place on the team. During that sitdown, Butler expressed his desire to play elsewhere. Thibodeau reportedly attempted to talk Butler off the ledge, to no avail. Not long after Butler’s trade demand became public the amount of NBA trade rumors involving him was staggering.

Rumors were already circulating about the differences Butler has had with his younger Timberwolves’ teammates. Meeting with Thibodeau, who does not want to move him kept a glimmer of hope that both sides can be mended. However, Timberwolves’ ownership wants a trade to happen before the season opener.

Thibodeau prefers that Butler rejoins the Timberwolves and make one last run at things. His older Timberwolves’ teammates share that sentiment. Derrick Rose and especially Taj Gibson were blindsided by the news of Butler’s trade demand.

"“He’s trying to do what he got to do, but everybody’s calling him. It’s more of a [situation where] I’ve got to go see him kind of thing. But I worked out with him all summer, so when I said what I meant, it was like a right hook. I didn’t see it coming. I didn’t know.”"

It is likely no one expected Butler to want to be done with the Timberwolves with one season left on his contract.