Jimmy Butler’s tenure with the Minnesota Timberwolves could very well be coming to a conclusion after just one season with the team.
By now it’s well known that the All-NBA performer is not happy with the direction of the Wolves under head coach Tom Thibodeau. While the two met in Los Angeles earlier this week, it’s now apparent that Butler wants out of dodge.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Butler has requested a trade. He’s also apparently given Minnesota a list of three teams he wants to be dealt to. Charania notes that a trade is anticipated.
Jimmy Butler has requested a trade from the Minnesota Timberwolves, league sources tell me and @JonKrawczynski. Butler has given Minnesota a list of one-to-three teams with whom he's open to signing extension, in anticipation of trade.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 19, 2018
This is what we’d call a shocking development. Minnesota moved a ton of valuable assets for the former Chicago Bulls star prior to last season. The hope is that he’d mesh with Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns to form an elite threesome.
That never came to fruition. In fact, Butler was reportedly upset with the effort both displayed last season.
Previous reports suggested that Butler might be looking to team up with Kyrie Irving in an attempt to take over the Eastern Conference. With Irving still in Boston and the Celtics boasting a ton of capital for a move of this ilk, a trade there makes some sense.
As it is, we can expect Butler to be calling another NBA city home once the 2018-19 season starts next month.