A surprise team has reportedly entered the Jimmy Butler sweepstakes.
Following reports earlier on Sunday that the Philadelphia 76ers and Houston Rockets were in the mix for the All-NBA player, comes this doozy from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski indicating that the Cleveland Cavaliers have discussed trading for the malcontent.
ESPN Sources: Another team pursuing a Jimmy Butler trade with Minnesota: Cleveland. Cavs owner Dan Gilbert was seen talking privately with Glen Taylor at NBA Board of Governors meeting on Friday. Both owners played a part in negotiating the Love-Wiggins deal.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 23, 2018
The most interesting aspect here is that it’s the two owners who have had discussions about a potential deal that would send Butler to Cleveland. As Wojnarowski notes, both Cavs owner Dan Gilbert and Wolves owner Glen Taylor were heavily involved in the deal that sent Andrew Wiggins from Cleveland to Minnesota for Kevin Love years back.
It’s not yet known what the parameters of a deal would look like. Maybe Love returns to his Minnesota roots after being selected No. 5 overall back in 2008. Though, it’s more likely that rookie lottery pick Collin Sexton would be involved.
Either way, this is a rather interesting development in what has been a drama-filled situation between Butler and his Wolves after the All-Star requested a trade last week.