The Minnesota Timberwolves and Miami Heat were making significant progress on a Jimmy Butler trade this week, but deal changes proposed by the Timberwolves led to a breakdown in talks, according to Marc Stein of The New York Times.
The Timberwolves and Heat have been discussing a trade without the involvement of a third team. Butler, a four-time All-Star, has requested a trade from Minnesota and prefers to play in Miami. Butler has a close relationship with Dwyane Wade and believes he can recruit other star players to South Beach.
Deal specifics are not yet known but the Wolves and Heat, I'm told, have been discussing a trade without the involvement of a third team https://t.co/QAzJmk9tKo
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) October 4, 2018
Miami has reportedly made players like point guard Goran Dragic, shooting guard Dion Waiters, and center Hassan Whiteside available. The Heat are still reluctant to move swingman Josh Richardson and big man Bam Adebayo. Butler, 29, averaged 22.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game last season in Minnesota. He shot 47.4 percent from the field, 35.0 percent from beyond the arc, and 85.4 percent from the free-throw line.
Butler reportedly has issues with Andrew Wiggins’ work ethic and approach on defense, and is fed up with the nonchalant attitude of Karl-Anthony Towns. Butler has no intention of playing in Minnesota again and wants out as soon as possible.
Slated to make $18.7 million this season, Butler has a player-option for the 2019-20 season worth $19.8 million. If he declines that player-option, Butler will become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2019.
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