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ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski and Zach Lowe
reported Thursday morning that the Timberwolves are seeking a
package of both prospects and veterans for Butler, who wants to
be traded.
Wojnarowski tweeted Thursday: "Minnesota's asking price for
Jimmy Butler remains too steep for teams. Minny seeks quality
vets/top prospects/future assets/cap relief. Too high a price
for interested teams, including Miami. Sources are skeptical of
Thibodeau's desire to make deal."
Head coach Tom Thibodeau met with Butler in Minneapolis
following Butler's physical on Monday, but overtures intended to
coax Butler back to the team were rebuffed, according to
multiple reports.
On Tuesday, Thibodeau said Minnesota plans to "honor his
request" and is currently "seeing what is out there."
Butler was given permission to skip the team's media day on
Monday. He was present only for medical evaluations. Thibodeau
said Butler would be away from the team for at least a week
because he's still rehabbing from offseason surgery on his right
hand. However, Butler posted to social media his intense
training workout videos and doesn't appear to be physically
limited in any way.
On Wednesday, the New York Times reported that Butler prefers a
trade to Miami, and while the Heat are interested in acquiring
Butler, they have found trade talks difficult.
According to reports, the Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers,
Houston Rockets and Sacramento Kings also have expressed
interest.
The Philadelphia 76ers lost interest when the Timberwolves asked
about 2017-18 NBA Rookie of the Year Ben Simmons, The Ringer
reported Thursday.
Butler, 29, appeared in 59 games last season for the
Timberwolves, averaging 22.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.9 assists
and 2.0 steals.
He is entering the fourth season of a five-year, $92.3 million
contract he signed with Chicago in 2015, but he can enter the
free agent market next summer by opting out of the final year.
He is scheduled to earn a base salary of $18.7 million in
2018-19.
In July, Butler reportedly turned down Minnesota's four-year
extension offer worth $110 million.
--Field Level Media
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