It looks like Jimmy Butler wants to take his talents to South Beach.
As the veteran star’s standoff with the Minnesota Timberwolves enters its second week, a report indicates that Butler has a new preferred landing spot: the Miami Heat.
The New York Times’ Mark Stein tweeted Wednesday morning that Butler and his agent “have informed Wolves ownership that Miami is Butler’s preferred trade destination.” A Heat spokesman told the Sun Sentinel recently they would not address speculation, but Miami looks like a major player in the Butler sweepstakes.
Butler shocked the NBA last week when he requested that the Timberwolves — who just a year earlier landed the superstar in a draft-night deal with the Chicago Bulls — trade him once again. Rumors of discord between Butler, coach Tom Thibodeau and young stars Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins seemingly escalated to a point of no return, leaving the front office with little choice but to honor his request.
Initially, Butler listed the Knicks, Nets and Clippers among his preferred destinations. Now, Miami with cap space to pay Butler long-term could be the favorite.
“He requested a trade and we’re going to honor his request,” Thibodeau said. “But we’re not going to do anything that’s bad for the Timberwolves. We’re going to do what’s good for the Timberwolves. We have to prioritize that. That’s what our job is.”
Minnesota shipped several of its young assets to Chicago — Kris Dunn, Zach LaVine and the draft pick that became Lauri Markkanen — to acquire Butler. Thibodeau now may be looking to restock the cupboard, and won’t rush to make a bad deal for a player he believes is among the NBA’s best.
Reports have indicated that Miami has been aggressive in negotiations since Butler announced his desire to be traded, even as he left the Heat off his initial list. They only have two draft picks over the next three years (both first-round), but the Miami Herald reported that they would be willing to include Hassan Whiteside and Justise Winslow in talks.
A trade to Miami would reunite Butler with Dwyane Wade, with whom he was teammates and close friends with for one year in Chicago.
Source: Read Full Article