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In light of the recent roadblock the Minnesota Timberwolves have imposed on Jimmy Butler trade discussions, there's a possibility that the team could choose to delay trade conversations and drag this out until the trade deadline.
The situation itself could get really awkward in the Twin Cities, putting Butler next to young stars Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns for the vast part of the season, according to Alex Kennedy of The HoopsHype Podcast.
Butler laid out three preferred destinations during a Tuesday meeting with coach/president Tom Thibodeau and general manager Scott Layden — the L.A. Clippers, New York Knicks, and Brooklyn Nets — but all of those three teams may prefer to try to sign him outright next summer, where he'd be bound to make over $140 million for four years instead of the maximum of $190 million over five years that he could get by keeping his Bird rights via trade.
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Owner Glen Taylor is expected to have major sway in the decision, given that Thibodeau's job is in murky waters despite bringing the Wolves to the playoffs for the first time in 14 years. Taylor will oversee the trade situation the same way he did for former stars like Kevin Garnett and Kevin Love, only pulling the trigger if it makes the most sense for the organization moving forward, not Thibodeau's interest.
Dragging it until the trade deadline could bring plenty of headaches, considering Butler has already ruffled some feathers with Wiggins and Towns. The All-Star center recently called a halt to contract negotiations until Butler's situation was fully dealt with, and he could be in danger of not signing his contract extension at all if Butler isn't dealt before the start of the season.
