Minnesota Timberwolves swingman Jimmy Butler doesn’t appear to be long for the Twin Cities. Butler has already requested a trade, and his request has yet to be honored. It seems like general manager and coach Tom Thibodeau is hoping Butler changes his mind, but that doesn’t appear to be happening, according to Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic:
Jimmy? Butler? has returned to Minnesota and reiterated his desire to be traded in? a meeting with? president? and?? coach Tom Thibodeau on Monday, league sources told The Athletic. Barring a change in the dwindling trade market between now and the season opener in San Antonio on Oct. 17, the Timberwolves are making preparations to start the season with Butler on the roster, league sources said. Butler has not practiced with the team since training camp opened on Sept. 25, just over a week after he first met with Thibodeau to personally deliver his trade request. He was at the facility on Monday, sources said. The Wolves have had conversations with a number of teams — most notably with the Miami Heat, who have discussed frameworks around the promising Josh Richardson — but have yet to close a deal.
Butler, 29, will be eligible to sign a max contract next summer. Last season for the Timberwolves, he was fantastic, averaging 22.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.9 assists and a career-high two steals per game while shooting a career-best 47.4 percent from the field and 35 percent from 3-point range.
