The Minnesota Timberwolves likely want nothing to do with Jimmy Butler again. After his turbulent exit from the team in 2018, the Timberwolves would be well-advised to avoid him, especially because Butler is experiencing similar drama with the Miami Heat.
However, the Timberwolves could participate in a Butler trade even if it doesn’t result in the six-time All-Star’s return to the team. NBA Insider Marc Stein reported on The Stein Line that multiple teams are willing to facilitate a blockbuster trade for Butler.
“My pal Doug Smith of The Toronto Star wrote earlier this week that the Raptors are volunteering to participate in an eventual Butler trade as a third- or fourth-team facilitator that doesn’t land Butler but takes part in the transaction,” Stein wrote. ”When I relayed that to one well-placed source, I was told that ‘about half the league’ has made similar feelings known to the Heat as they try to concoct a trade that brings this saga to an end.
Stein also confirmed that the Timberwolves are one of these teams.
“That group is believed to include the Timberwolves … but, again, in the role of trade facilitator and not with the intent to bring Butler back to Minnesota after he unforgettably forced a trade from the Timberwolves to the 76ers during the 2018-19 season,” Stein wrote.
How the Timberwolves could get involved
The Timberwolves have not replicated the same success they had last season, so if they want to get involved, they would likely want a valuable player coming back to them.
Because Butler is expensive, the Timberwolves would likely trade Julius Randle or Jaden McDaniels for a piece they could see as a better fit.
This is a subplot to pay attention to because, depending on who the Timberwolves get back, such a trade could bring them back to the level they were before.
MORE TIMBERWOLVES NEWS: Timberwolves proposed swap sends Julius Randle to Hornets, brings All-Star forward to Minnesota
