Over the past few weeks, the Miami Heat have been involved in trade discussions with the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Heat had interest in Timberwolves swingman Jimmy Butler, but talk between the two teams has since died down. In lieu of this failed pursuit, Heat president Pat Riley has told his players that he will stick with the current roster to start the season.
Via Shams Charania of The Athletic:
For now, Minnesota’s talks with teams around the NBA are mostly dormant, league sources told The Athletic. The Miami Heat have long been the most aggressive team pursuing Butler, having advantages with a young, promising wing in Josh Richardson, being a team not in Minnesota’s conference and holding other assets to add in a package. Yet days before their own season opener Wednesday, Miami president Pat Riley informed his locker room that the team would stick with the current roster to start the season in a show of loyalty the organization has for their current players, league sources said.
According to several reports, Butler gave the Timberwolves a list of teams that he would like to be traded to, including the Heat. He has had several meeting with president and head coach Tom Thibodeau, but no deal came to fruition. As a result, Butler suited up with the Wolves for their season opener against the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night.
Article Continues BelowThough the Timberwolves were defeated, 112-108, Butler managed to rack up 23 points on 9-of-23 shooting, seven rebounds, three assists, and four steals in 32 minutes of playing time.
“It's just timing — getting your legs underneath you,” Butler told ESPN after Wednesday's game. “I'll be OK really soon. We take the best things from this — and that's our energy and how hard we played for 48 minutes. We'll take that every time.”
The Heat's chances of acquiring Butler seem to be dwindling, which could leave an opportunity for some of the talented young players who are already on the squad. For now, it seems Riley is sticking to his guns, but don't be surprised if negotiations start up again soon.