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Minnesota Timberwolves: Ranking the contracts

By Andrew Neururer

SACRAMENTO, CA - FEBRUARY 27: Nemanja Bjelica Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - FEBRUARY 27: Nemanja Bjelica Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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BLOOMINGTON, MN – JUNE 29: Tom Thibobeau introduces Jimmy Butler of the Minnesota Timberwolves to the public during a press conference at the Mall of America on June 29, 2017 in Bloomington, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images)
BLOOMINGTON, MN – JUNE 29: Tom Thibobeau introduces Jimmy Butler of the Minnesota Timberwolves to the public during a press conference at the Mall of America on June 29, 2017 in Bloomington, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images) /

1. Jimmy Butler

Contract Signed: 5-year/$92,339,878

It’s a big contract, don’t get me wrong. With Butler earning around $19 million this next season, it’s easy to be confused why he would be number one when you have two budding stars on rookie contracts.

This quote alone explains how he landed number one on this list. After seeing this, I’m sure you’ll agree just as much. Deadspin posted shortly after the trade on draft night that shortly after acquiring the all-star. Originally posted by ESPN’s Kevin Pelton, but for those who don’t have ESPN Insider, this is what he had to say:

"“In Butler, the Bulls had one of the most valuable player contracts in the entire league. Butler, who rated third in the league in wins produced based on ESPN’s real plus-minus (RPM) behind LeBron James and Stephen Curry in 2016-17, has two more guaranteed years remaining at $18.7 and $19.8 million before a player option for 2019-20 (also for $19.8 million) that he’s sure to decline barring injury. Over those two years, I project his production as worth about $90 million, giving Butler more than $50 million in surplus value to his team. That ranks 10th in the league.”"

As you can see, Butler is third in the league in win’s produced behind LeBron James and Steph Curry. A player that can get you wins on a daily basis clearly shows how valuable he really is. Before the super-max contracts, Butler would most likely see a deal over $150 million. We are able to hold onto him for $90 million.

He is an All-star player and is one of the best defenders in the game. He’s only 27-years old and produced about 24 points a game, 5.5 assists, 6.2 rebounds and almost 2 steals a game.

Next: Minnesota Timberwolves: 5 best lineups

The Timberwolves really don’t have a bad contract by any means. But money is still tight with all these new deals in place. Let’s see if it works out in the end.

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