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Minnesota Timberwolves: 2 Jimmy Butler trade scenarios with the Miami Heat

By Trey Flynn

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 24: (EDITOR'S NOTE: This image has been converted to black and white.) Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on during the game against the Miami Heat on November 24, 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 24: (EDITOR'S NOTE: This image has been converted to black and white.) Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on during the game against the Miami Heat on November 24, 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) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – NOVEMBER 24: Andrew Wiggins #22 and Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves defend against Hassan Whiteside #21 of the Miami Heat during the game on November 24, 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 24: Andrew Wiggins #22 and Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves defend against Hassan Whiteside #21 of the Miami Heat during the game on November 24, 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) /

The most important move for the Timberwolves in this trade scenario was getting two draft picks and getting rid of the bad cap in Gorgui Dieng. Many may feel that Dion Waiters is a bad cap move, but he produces at a much higher rate than Dieng has over the past few years.

Rumors have stated that Waiters and Whiteside are on the block, so getting rid of a supposedly disgruntled Jimmy Buckets makes sense.

First off, Karl-Anthony Towns is obviously not ready to play the big man center position that head coach Tom Thibodeau has created. After a career high 42.1 percent from the 3-point line this season, it’s obvious that Towns should move to the power forward position.

Playing Jeff Teague, Dion Waiters, Andrew Wiggins, Towns, and then Whiteside will balance the team chemistry out a lot more than it was before according to rumors of Butler creating dysfunction with Wiggins and Towns.

Obviously losing an All-Star hurts the reputation of the lineup but we should be level headed about this scenario due to the fact Butler is most likely leaving if you look at the history of guys with one year left on their deal (there is a player option, but come on).

The Miami Heat will lose two starters and get a rental with Butler and a bad contract in Dieng, but with their currently assembled roster the addition of Butler would guarantee a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, which has been their goal for a few years.

Overall, the Timberwolves aren’t as attractive with this move but they would have more stability in their franchise and may make their best player even better in Karl-Anthony Towns.

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