Miami Heat president Pat Riley has reportedly told his players that he's pulling the plug on a Jimmy Butler trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves, according to Ira Winderman of the Sun-Sentinel.
The Heat have been the most aggressive team trying to acquire Butler, who requested a trade from the Timberwolves almost five weeks ago. Minnesota reportedly wanted guard Josh Richardson, center Bam Adebayo, and a first-round pick in exchange for Butler, a package Riley wasn't willing to agree to.
Heat confirm that Pat Riley addressed his players about Jimmy Butler trade rumors and told them, "I'm pulling the plug." But he did not tell them anything about standing by his young players. Rather, made them aware of process.
— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) October 18, 2018
Just because Riley is ending talks now, doesn't mean Butler still can't end up in South Beach at some point. Conversations are non-existent between Miami and Minnesota currently, but the 2019 trade deadline in February is a long ways away. Everyone in the league knows Pat Riley and Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra are enamored with Jimmy Butler, so expect the two to pursue the four-time All-Star later in the season if he's still on the Timberwolves.
Butler, who reportedly prefers to play for the Heat, suited up Wednesday night for the Timberwolves against the Spurs and finished with 23 points, seven rebounds, and three assists in 32 minutes of action. Minnesota lost to San Antonio by a final score of 112-108.
Jimmy Butler is close with Heat legend Dwyane Wade and believes he can recruit other star players to South Beach. The 29-year-old can become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2019 if he declines his 2019-20 player-option.
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