Timberwolves news: Not all teams interested in Jimmy Butler would need assurance he'd sign long-term deal

There are multiple teams in the league with interest in acquiring Minnesota Timberwolves small forward Jimmy Butler, and not all of them would need assurances that Butler will sign long-term, according to Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic.

There are multiple teams in the league with interest in acquiring Minnesota Timberwolves small forward Jimmy Butler, and not all of them would need assurances that Butler will sign a long-term extension, according to Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic.

Butler has requested a trade from the Timberwolves and is most determined to find a way to play for the L.A. Clippers. The four-time All-Star can become an unrestricted free agent in 2019 if he declines his 2019-20 player option.

In canvassing the league, there are a number of teams interested in Jimmy Butler. Not all of them would need assurances that Butler will sign long-term. Still unsure if Thibs will change stance and start engaging in trade talks.

— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) September 20, 2018

Along with the Clippers, Butler reportedly told Timberwolves head coach/president Tom Thibodeau he would be fine with a trade to the Brooklyn Nets or New York Knicks. Butler wants to play in a big market city and be the main cog of a franchise.

In his first season with the Timberwolves, Jimmy Butler had a sound campaign. The swingman averaged 22.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game and shot 47.4 percent from the field and 35.0 percent from 3. The second half of the season wasn't kind to Butler, though. He suffered a torn right meniscus in the first game after the All-Star break in Houston and underwent surgery.

However, Butler did return near the end of the season and helped the Timberwolves clinch a playoff berth for the first time in 14 years on the last day of the regular season. Butler and the Timberwolves defeated the Denver Nuggets at home.

But it looks like Butler's time in Minnesota will be coming to an end soon. Media day is on September 24, and it's hard to envision a scenario where Butler is still on the roster given what has transpired in the last couple of days. Now, we just have to wait and see where the rugged defender will end up, and if a team will take a chance on him of being a rental player if the Clippers, Knicks or Nets can't strike a deal with Minnesota.