Jimmy Butler is reportedly "uninterested" in practicing or playing with the Minnesota 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. Taylor has informed teams that the four-time All-Star is on the trading block, but the asking price remains "too steep," according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski and Zach Lowe.
Woj reports that Minnesota seeks quality veterans, top prospects, future assets and/or cap relief, which is simply too high for interested teams, including the Miami Heat. Although, Lowe notes things could "change on a dime."
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Earlier this week, the New York Times' Marc Stein reported that Butler and his agent, Bernie Lee, told Wolves ownership that Miami is his preferred landing spot. The Wolves are not obligated to trade Butler to a team of his choosing 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.
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.
