NBA notebook: Wolves' owner says Butler nixed max extension

[July 14, 2018]  Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jimmy Butler has turned down the team's four-year, $110 million max-level extension offer, owner Glen Taylor said on Friday.

Appearing on ESPN 1500 Twin Cities radio, Taylor described the exchange between the two sides as cordial, but noted that Butler and his representatives intend to seek a more lucrative contract when Butler becomes eligible next year.

"They said, 'You guys have done everything and we're very appreciative, but our bet is that we should wait 'til next year and get ourselves a better deal,'" Taylor said. "... We did everything we could, and they want to do what they think is right for Jimmy."

Butler, 28, is set to become a free agent next summer, when he stands to make significantly more money, whether by re-signing with the Wolves or joining another team in free agency. Next year, he will be eligible for a five-year max-level deal with Minnesota worth around $188 million or a four-year deal with any other team worth around $140 million.

--Milwaukee Bucks restricted free agent forward Jabari Parker could become a member of the Chicago Bulls by next week, ESPN reported.

Parker and the Bulls are making progress on an offer sheet and could finalize contract terms as soon as Sunday, according to ESPN. Per the report, the Bucks are not expected to match an offer sheet for Parker and have considered rescinding his qualifying offer, which would make Parker a free agent.

Parker, 23, was the No. 2 overall selection in the 2014 NBA Draft, but his career has been marred by injury. He twice has been sidelined by tears of the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, the most recent of which caused him to miss the first 50 games last season. He played in 31 games for the Bucks, starting just three, and averaged 12.6 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.9 assists.

--The Brooklyn Nets traded oft-traveled point guard Jeremy Lin, a 2025 second-round draft pick and the right to swap second-round picks in 2023 to the Atlanta Hawks.

In return, the Hawks sent the Nets the rights to 2016 second-round pick Isaia Cordinier, who to date has remained in his native France, and a protected second-round pick in the 2020 draft.

Lin, who turns 30 next month, played in only one game last season with Brooklyn, sustaining a season-ending ruptured patellar tendon on opening night.

--Los Angeles Lakers guard Lonzo Ball will have arthroscopic surgery on his left knee on Tuesday, the team announced.

2016 Rio Olympics - Basketball - Final - Men's Gold Medal Game Serbia v USA - Carioca Arena 1 - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - 21/8/2016. Jimmy Butler (USA) of the USA and Stefan Bircevic (SRB) of Serbia wrestle for the ball . REUTERS/Jim Young Picture Supplied by Action Images

The team will provide an update after surgery is complete, but no further details were offered. Yahoo Sports reported at the end of June that Ball had a torn meniscus in his left knee but was expected to be ready in time for training camp. Per the report, Ball was diagnosed with the injury at the end of the regular season and had gone through various healing processes.

ESPN reported on June 11 that Ball had a platelet-rich plasma shot in the knee earlier this offseason, one of a few methods he has attempted in order to get fully healthy after missing the final eight games of the season. The Lakers have yet to confirm a meniscus tear, and this is the first mention of any surgical procedure from the team or from media reports.

--Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka said earlier this week that the only guaranteed starter in the lineup would be LeBron James, and that the other four starters had yet to be determined. Guard Josh Hart is making a case that he should grab one of them.

On a conference call with reporters, team president Magic Johnson said everyone should take note of Hart's play in the Las Vegas Summer League action. Hart is averaging 22.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.5 steals per game in summer league play, as the Lakers have gone 4-0 in Vegas.

"Look at Josh Hart. He's playing unbelievable in Las Vegas," Johnson said, according to the Los Angeles Times. "Some guys better watch out because he's pushing to start."

--Field Level Media

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