The talk of the last few days has been about Jimmy Butler and his trade request from the Minnesota Timberwolves. Among the teams he listed as places he would like to go are the LA Clippers, who, as currently constructed, likely have the best combination of assets and players to help the Wolves win now.
According to ESPN's Zach Lowe, however, there hasn't been any indication that the team is aggressively pursuing Butler, if at all.
The Clips have among the easiest ready-made offers that would satisfy Thibodeau's presumed desire to chase a playoff spot
…
Pairing Leonard and Butler seems to be one of their dream endgames. That said, there is no indication the Clippers have acted aggressively — or much at all — so far, sources say.
It's interesting, but not surprising, to hear that the Clippers haven't been aggressive in pursuing Butler, but this is a quickly developing situation with something new coming out seemingly every couple minutes.
The Clippers are intent on keeping their salary cap space for the summer of 2019, but they're also intent on keeping their young players and building for a future with them. If a call from the Timberwolves includes one of either Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (who I would be shocked if his name is even thrown around) or Jerome Robinson, the Clippers likely hang up the phone. Tobias Harris is likely also off the table as he is currently their best player and someone they can re-sign using his bird rights next summer.
Although I have no knowledge of the situation, there's a feeling that the Timberwolves are going to end up trading Butler for 50 cents on the dollar. Butler does not want to be there, will not be reporting to training camp, President Tom Thibodeau as well as GM Scott Layden have turned down trade calls for him, and there's seemingly no chance the organization gets to Media Day with this issue still unresolved.
Stay tuned for more.
Follow Us
Subscribe