The first trade in the Tom Thibodeau era was a blockbuster at the least.
Around 6:50 PM the Minnesota Timberwolves have acquired former Chicago Bulls All-Star Jimmy Butler.
It should come at no surprise, as Tom Thibedeau and the Minnesota Timberwolves have been eyeing him for over a year now. If you don’t recall, Minnesota balked at the idea of giving away Lavine, and the fifth pick who happened to be Kris Dunn in last year’s draft.
This year the trade looks like this.
Minnesota Timberwolves receive: Jimmy Butler and 2017 16th pick
Chicago Bulls receive: Zach Lavine, Kris Dunn, and the 2017 7th pick
If you’re Minnesota, you almost have to make this trade. It was an awful sight to watch Zach LaVine go down, but with an ACL injury, you are unsure with how he will progress in his career.
Kris Dunn didn’t pan out this year but showed great defensive ability.
While the Wolves are losing the seventh pick, they instead received the 16th pick. With an extremely deep class, it was a huge add-in.
The Timberwolves are receiving an All-Star player who is one of the best two-way players in the NBA. The three-time All-Star will greatly help out this young Timberwolves squad, who has lacked veteran leadership for a while now.
Butler did play with Tom Thibodeau from 2011-2015. He knows Tom’s difficult system, which will be very beneficial for these young players. It’s one thing to hear a voice on the sideline, but it will be even easier for these young players to learn the game from a leader on the court.
Look to see Butler help out these young players a lot over the course of the season. This trade is great for the future, and for the upcoming season. As the Wolves can smell playoffs in the 2017-2018 season.
Whomever the Timberwolves decide to select with the 16th pick, will no doubtingly be a great addition. The team needs shooting and depth now. Defense is still a big need but the addition of Butler greatly lowers that need.
This past season Butler averaged almost 24 points a game, 5.5 AST, 6.2 REB, an astounding 1.9 steals a game and shot 36 percent from deep. The Wolves are receiving one the great players in the NBA, as he is viewed as a top 15 player.
Grade for the Trade: A
Here is something to get excited about for the upcoming season:
Here are some reactions across the Twittersphere:
Last time Jimmy Butler played for Tom Thibodeau (2014-15)
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) June 22, 2017
- won Most Improved Player
- Made 1st All-Star team
- 2nd-team All Defense
The Bulls did not get enough for Jimmy Butler, who is better than Paul George - mentally/physically tougher, far more clutch.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) June 22, 2017
For me biggest NBA disappointment this yr was TWolves going 31-51. So much talent, no vet leader. Jimmy Butler will help fix that.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) June 23, 2017
If this was the best offer the Chicago Bulls got for Jimmy Butler, I would have kept him. I'm stunned no other team was able to beat it.
— Kevin Pelton (@kpelton) June 22, 2017
The T'Wolves just got Jimmy Butler for Lavigne & Dunn and only had to move down 9 spots in the draft. That's amazing.
— nick wright (@getnickwright) June 22, 2017
As you can see from fans across the world, The Timberwolves have received a great player. It will be an exciting upcoming season. Best of Wishes to Zach LaVine, the Wolves will miss you. Chicago received a great young talent.
But as of now, make no mistake, the Minnesota Timberwolves won this deal.