The world waits as the Jimmy Butler saga slowly unfolds, but he's not the only player who is likely on his way out of Minnesota. Gorgui Dieng — mainly due to his sizable contract — appears to be on his way out of town with Butler. Dane Moore of Zone Coverage reports:
One league executive told me they would be “stunned” if Gorgui Dieng is not included in the forthcoming Jimmy Butler trade.
It's hard to imagine the Timberwolves could get much back for Butler if they're including the albatross of a contract that comes with Dieng. He's due more than $48 million over the next three seasons despite the fact that he's a bench player. Teams will be less willing to include a host of assets if they know they are absorbing Dieng's contract for the next few years.
If Dieng is included in a deal, it's going to need to take more than two teams. If a team like the Sacramento Kings with available cap space is willing to take on Dieng's salary in exchange for assets, that could work. But it's unlikely that any team will take on Butler — set to sign a max deal next summer — and Dieng's contract.
But the situation in Minnesota is still fluid. At times, the Butler trade has felt imminent and yet, there's no deal yet. All signs point to the Timberwolves making a move before the season starts, but there are no guarantees.
Even before the season starts, the NBA finds a way to keep you on the edge of your seat.