ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports that the Wolves and Heat were close to finalizing a deal involving Jimmy Butler before trade talks fell apart.
Wojnarowski, citing league sources, said Minnesota provided Miami with Butler’s medical information, which he says is often the last step before a trade is completed.
What’s more is that Wojnarowski says Wolves owner Glen Taylor was involved in the trade discussions, but the framework of a deal crumbled Saturday when Minnesota’s asking price became too steep.
Sources on @TheAthleticNBA @WatchStadium: Minnesota and Miami have seriously discussed several frameworks of a potential deal for Jimmy Butler, including ones with Heat's Josh Richardson. Medicals shared both ways. Timberwolves do not appear any closer a deal.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 7, 2018
It’s unclear what exactly Miami would give Minnesota in a deal, but Wojnarowski says Miami was willing to include 25-year-old shooting guard Josh Richardson, who has a team-friendly contract and is considered a solid two-way player.
Richardson averaged 12.5 points per game and shot 37.8 percent from three while starting 81 games for the Heat last season.
Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald is also reporting that the deal was close before Minnesota upped the asking price, adding:
“The Wolves are believed to be asking for several of the assets the Heat considers most valuable: Josh Richardson, Bam Adebayo, Goran Dragic, Kelly Olynyk, Justise Winslow and a No. 1 pick.”
The constant refrain you hear from talking to teams talking to the Wolves about Butler: “It feels like we’re talking to a team that doesn’t want to do a deal.” Posturing? Maybe, but that’s the message being delivered.
— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) October 7, 2018
The Wolves’ regular season opener at San Antonio is just 10 days away (Oct. 17), and if Butler it remains unclear if he’ll join the team and suit up for games. He has yet to join the team for any practices or preseason games.
