We did this song and dance last year and clearly it’s not stopping in 2017.
The Timberwolves have been in contact with 3-time All-Star Jimmy Butler of the Chicago Bulls, according to NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowksi.
Sources: Chicago’s price for Jimmy Butler remains elevated, but Minnesota has assets and interest. Sides made preliminary contact this week.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 19, 2017
Butler is a two-way star who’s been on the NBA All-Defensive teams for the past four seasons. He’s coming off a career year too, where he set highs in points (23.9), rebounds (6.2) and assists (5.5).
On NBA Draft night in 2016, the AP’s Jon Krawczynski says Minnesota was “close” to acquiring Butler, who played under current Wolves head coach Tom Thibodeau during his tenure in Chicago. But the two sides weren’t able to work out a deal.
The Vertical reported in June that Minnesota-Chicago trade talks broke down after the Wolves refused to include LaVine and Dunn.
So what would it cost this time around?
Minnesota would probably have to give up Andrew Wiggins, Ricky Rubio, and draft picks. And who knows if that would be enough for Chicago to part ways with the superstar.
Other teams are interested too
Apparently the Wolves aren’t the only team interested as the Cleveland Cavilers, Boston Celtics and Phoenix Suns are also rumored to be targeting Butler.
Marc Stein reported Cleveland has been working all day on multi-team trade to acquire Butler, and Minnesota could be the third team involved.
The Cavaliers, per league sources, have been working today on assembling multi-team trade scenarios to try to acquire Chicago's Jimmy Butler
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 19, 2017
