The Minnesota Timberwolves will either have to wait or improve on their demands in exchange for Jimmy Butler after talks between the two sides reportedly fell apart. With the NBA regular season fast approaching, it still remains unclear where the 29-year-old will end up.
The Miami Heat, a team that was not originally mentioned by Butler as his preferred destination, loomed as the likely place where he would end up. But according to NBA.com, Minnesota may have pushed their demands a bit too far. The deal could be revisited moving forward with a revised setup.
The original deal for Butler included a package that would have included Josh Richardson. In fact, both teams had already exchange medical information on the players concerned – the last step to make the NBA trade happen. But an amendment made by the T-Wolves fractured the talks, meaning they are back to square one. The changes to the deal seemed to involve money when Minnesota wanted too much for Butler.
Aside from that, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald claims that Wolves were asking for other assets for Butler. Aside from Richardson, Bam Adebayo, Goran Dragic, Kelly Olynyk, Justise Winslow and a No. 1 pick were allegedly asked.
Hence, the Timberwolves will now have to wait and see if Miami or some other team will step up to negotiate for Butler. Team owner Glen Taylor has gotten himself involved in an effort to settle the Jimmy Butler issue although it seems pretty clear he wants to get something of equal or better value for the NBA veteran.
Time is also not on the side of the T-Wolves. Their regular season will kick off on Oct. 17 where they will face the San Antonio Spurs. It also remains to be seen if Butler will (or will not) suit up for the Wolves.
Seeing, however, he has not joined team practices or preseason games, Butler is likely to sit out the early part of the regular season. Depending on whether Minnesota can find an acceptable trade partner, the first-round pick of the 2011 NBA Draft may find himself idle for the time being.
With or without Butler, Minnesota is trying to focus on the task at hand. Even without Butler, the T-Wolves remain formidable with Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns. They also have a reinvigorated veteran in Derrick Rose who hopes to recover his old form this time around.
Minnesota is expected to experience rough days ahead, especially with the Butler trade drama left unsettled. The following weeks should be interesting to figure out just where the disgruntled player will end up next.
