Dunking With Wolves
Fansided

Early grades for the Minnesota Timberwolves offseason moves

By Sam Peterson

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - NOVEMBER 13: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves celebrates with his team against the Utah Jazz on Novemeber 13, 2017 at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - NOVEMBER 13: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves celebrates with his team against the Utah Jazz on Novemeber 13, 2017 at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – NOVEMBER 15: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves drives to the basket against Bryn Forbes #11 of the San Antonio Spurs during the game on November 15, 2017 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, 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. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – NOVEMBER 15: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves drives to the basket against Bryn Forbes #11 of the San Antonio Spurs during the game on November 15, 2017 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, 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. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

Jimmy Butler Trade: A-

The Wolves started their offseason with a bang, as they went after a superstar in Chicago. On draft night, Minnesota sent Zach Lavine, Kris Dunn, and the seventh pick to Chicago for Jimmy Butler and the 16th-overall pick.

Minnesota has had a history of getting fleeced in trades, but the tables were turned on this deal. Chicago was stuck between a rock and a hard place after Butler gave an ultimatum of him or the Head Coach, and former Timberwolf, Fred Hoiberg. In Butler, the Wolves were getting one of the best two-way players in the NBA, and a leader to serve as an example to the young core of the Wolves.

Butler hasn’t been particularly aggressive on the offensive end to this point in the season, only averaging 15.8 points on 40 percent shooting from the field. He will continue to get more comfortable and will always make the right play, whether that is getting his on the offensive end, or creating for others. As the season continues, however, Butler will need to be more assertive on offense. The only reason the grade isn’t higher for the Butler trade is because he seems to still be feeling out his role on the team with two high-end scorers in Wiggins and Towns.

Minnesota will also benefit from Jimmy Butler already playing for Tom Thibodeau. He will be able to help the younger players with the concepts that Thibs will want to execute. Another plus from getting Butler is that he should be able to mentor Andrew Wiggins and help him become a better two-way player.