While many teams focus on the top players in this year’s free agent class, the Minnesota Timberwolves are focused on making sure Jimmy Butler doesn’t become a free agent next offseason.
According to Marc Stein of The New York Times, Minnesota has informed Butler it intends to offer him the max extension when he is first eligible to sign on July 9. The deal would be a four-year extension worth $110 million.
The Timberwolves began free agency by informing star guard Jimmy Butler that they intend to offer him a maximum contract extension valued in the four-year, $110 million range as soon as he's eligible to sign the deal on July 9, league sources say
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 1, 2018
Butler, who averaged 22.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.9 assists and two steals in his first season with Minnesota, will have a decision to make when the offer arrives.
Signing the extension would secure him a long-term contract, which he might be at risk of losing if he suffers a major injury. However, the NBA’s salary cap is projected to rise significantly after next season. If Butler plays under his current deal, he can sign for a much higher average annual value a year from now.
That said, Minnesota will do all it can to try and sign Butler and Karl-Anthony Towns to long-term extensions as soon as possible.