Predict which direction the Jimmy Butler situation goes at your own risk. Not much is certain around the situation other than the fact that Butler is unhappy. The Minnesota Timberwolves could be hesitant to trade a top player in the league after only one season. The team was quick to shut down a Jimmy Butler inquiry back in July, according to Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic.
Krawczynski writes:
“With all of the rumors in the air, at least one team reached out to the Timberwolves in July to ask about Butler’s availability, sources said. But they were quickly rebuffed.”
This is very interesting in retrospect. It doesn't sound like negotiations progressed too far, if they progressed at all. But with that being said, the Minnesota Timberwolves probably could have received a much better package in July than they will now.
Now that teams are fully aware of the situation, they are going to try and acquire Butler for cents on the dollar. Back in July, the Timberwolves may have had more leverage to negotiate because. Minnesota lost all its leverage when it became common knowledge that Butler was unhappy and requested a change.
At the time, dealing Butler may have sounded ludicrous. They were coming off a playoff season and had Butler not gotten hurt last year, they would have fought for homecourt advantage in the playoffs rather than the eighth seed. By trading Butler they would essentially be giving up on the opportunity to go for it with a fully healthy team.
But in retrospect, the T-Wolves are probably kicking themselves for shutting those conversations down.
Follow Us
Subscribe