Jimmy Butler's days in Minnesota are numbered, despite a last ditch effort by head coach Tom Thibodeau to convince the four-time NBA All-Star to stick around. According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Thibodeau met with Butler on Monday to try to persuade him to rejoin the team in the preseason, but Butler declined the offer.
Woj reports that Jimmy B is "uninterested" in practicing or playing with the Timberwolves again, and has implored owner Glen Taylor to trade him sooner than later because he intends to walk as a free agent next summer anyway. Butler was excused from the Wolves' Media Day on Monday as the front office continues their attempts to facilitate a trade.
The Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Clippers and New York Knicks - three teams that have max cap space to sign Butler as a free agent in July - are Butler's preferred destinations, but that hasn't stopped other teams from inquiring. According to ESPN, Miami Heat have been aggressive in their pursuit of the 29-year old star, while the Sacramento Kings appear willing to take on "bloated contracts" as part of any Butler blockbuster if it means they can acquire a future first-rounder or more.
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.
