The Minnesota Timberwolves were reportedly willing to trade four-time All-Star Jimmy Butler to the Houston Rockets on Tuesday, but the Rockets were unwilling to part with PJ Tucker. According to ESPN's Stefano Fusaro, the Timberwolves reportedly asked for Tucker and shooting guard Eric Gordon in a trade involving Butler.
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The Miami Heat had reportedly made progress in trade talks with Minnesota last week and were pushing the Wolves to accept a revised trade offer for Butler. However, proposed changes from Minnesota created a "breakdown” in negotiations, according to Marc Stein of The New York Times.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reports that the Heat are still interested in restarting talks with Minnesota to acquire Butler, who is entering the final year of his contract and plans to leave in free agency if not traded.
Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports reports that the Los Angeles Clippers have also been in contact with the Timberwolves but the Clippers, like some other potential suitors, view the asking price as "too high." According to Adrian Wojnarowski, Minnesota seeks quality veterans, top prospects, future assets and/or cap relief in any Butler trade.
The Wolves acquired Butler in a trade with the Chicago Bulls just last June in a deal that appeared extremely lopsided in Minnesota's favor at the time. In exchange for the then three-time NBA All-Star, the Bulls received Zach LaVine, Kris Dunn, and the #7 pick - Lauri Markkanen.
Butler only appeared in 59 games with the Wolves, averaging 22.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 2 steals per game, while helping the team to their first playoff berth since 2003-04.
