Jimmy Butler is on his way out of Minnesota and there's reportedly a new team at the top of his list of preferred destinations- the Miami Heat. According to the New York Times' Marc Stein, Butler and his agent Bernie Lee have informed Wolves ownership that Miami is his preferred landing spot.
Stein reports that Miami have pursued Butler "as aggressively as any of the 20-plus teams to inquire thus far" but "have found it hard to get Minnesota to clearly communicate."
Of course, the Wolves are not obligated to appease the disgruntled All-Star but since he's entering the final year of his contract, any potential trade partner would likely need assurance that he's willing to resign a long-term extension. Originally, it was reported that Butler preferred a trade to 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.
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According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Wolves head coach Tom 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.
