The 2018-19 NBA season is officially underway with Jimmy Butler still on the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The disgruntled star wing has been very outspoken about his feelings towards the organization, which came to a head last week at a practice. Despite his outburst, it seemed like there was still a chance that Butler could’ve been out the door to Miami.
However, that was not the case as ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported last week that trade talks between Miami and Minnesota broke down at the 11th hour.
With that being known, we should expect Butler to be in Minnesota at least until the All-Star break. If that should happen, then both the Timberwolves and Butler can gauge more interest across the league.
While we know the Heat along with the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers are Butler’s preferred trade destinations. He also reportedly “has eyes” for the Sixers, according to Zach Lowe of ESPN.
This latest piece of news does not come as a surprise because the two-way star guard could slide in as the team’s starting shooting guard. Last season, Butler averaged 22.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.9 assists in 36.7 minutes per game. He also shot 47.4 percent from the field and 35 percent from three-point range.
Late last month, Wojnarowski reported that Philadelphia was among one of the teams that showed interest in Butler. However, those trade talks immediately broke down between the Timberwolves and Sixers due to a high price tag.
Everybody knew that Minnesota was going to be stingy in what they wanted back from various teams. But in regards to the Sixers, the Timberwolves reportedly wanted reigning Rookie of the Year award winner Ben Simmons for Jimmy Butler.
It was a foolish request by Minnesota and Philly rightfully so did not re-engage in trade conversations. Lowe also mentioned in his latest story that the Sixers have expressed no interest in trading for Butler.
Along those same lines, Jon Johnson of 94 WIP/KYW 1060 reported on Tuesday that the reasons why Philly does not have an interest in Butler are because of his antics and asking price.
It would be an utter surprise if Philly completed a trade for Jimmy Butler because they could easily get him next summer in NBA free agency. Remember, the Sixers have a ton of money coming off the books and would have the necessary space to sign Butler to a long-term deal.
That would be the correct move to make, instead of acquiring him at the deadline and hoping he stays. Not to mention, it is not smart to give up a ton of assets for a potential half of a season rental.
