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The Brooklyn Nets will not include small forward Caris LeVert in any potential trade packages for Minnesota Timberwolves All-Star swingman Jimmy Butler, according to Kevin O'Connor of The Ringer.
Butler has requested a trade from the Timberwolves and reportedly prefers to play for the Miami Heat. The four-time All-Star has also listed the Nets as a destination he would be fine with, per multiple reports.
according to @KevinOConnorNBA:
1) 15-20 teams have made an offer for Jimmy Butler
2) 76ers made an offer for Butler but the T-Wolves counter offer included Ben Simmons.
3) Nets won't include Caris LeVert in a potential Jimmy Butler trade. https://t.co/rl5hivGN3j
— Rob Lopez (@r0bato) September 27, 2018
Brian Lewis of The New York Post relayed a similar message Wednesday, reporting that the Nets are unlikely to trade for Butler. Brooklyn believes LeVert has All-Star potential and isn't looking to part ways with him for a 29-year-old Butler, who has a history of injuries and rubbing teammates the wrong way.
Caris LeVert played in 71 games last season for the Nets and averaged 12.1 points, 3.7 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game. The 24-year-old shot 43.5 percent from the field, 34.7 percent from beyond the arc, and 71.1 percent from the free-throw line.
LeVert is projected to back up veteran Allen Crabbe at the shooting guard spot this season. He'll make $1.7 million this year and has club option for the 2019-20 season worth $2.6 million.
Brooklyn is prioritizing cap space for 2019, when they’ll potentially have money to sign two max players. Surprisingly enough, the Nets have been rumored to pursue Butler in the 2019 free agency period. Butler can become an unrestricted free agent if he declines his player option for the 2019-20 campaign.
