Jimmy Butler is likely heading to a new team soon, but the Minnesota Timberwolves may need the assistance of Sacramento Kings to make a trade happen.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski and Zach Lowe report the Kings and their $11 million in cap space are a critical piece of a deal if Minnesota continues trying to rid itself of Gorgui Dieng’s $48 million contract.
“In recent days, Sacramento has been aggressive in courting Minnesota and several of Butler’s trade suitors — offering to use its space as a landing spot for bloated contracts.”
According to Spotrac, Sacramento is the only team in the NBA with a single dollar of space available. Trades over the cap are possible but require meeting a very specific set of financial stipulations.
The Kings, however, offer a little more flexibility in discussions. As Wojnarowski notes, they have a few expiring contracts useful for trade purposes.
Moving Butler by himself in exchange for a package of players and picks is doable — and there’s no shortage of interest there — but the more complicated Minnesota makes a trade, the more likely Sacramento will be involved.