Minnesota Timberwolves: Jimmy Butler may not get his wish

Minnesota Timberwolves All-Star Jimmy Butler has reportedly requested that the franchise trade him as soon as possible. But will Tom Thibodeau trade him at all?

After rumors about a meeting between Minnesota Timberwolves head coach and president of basketball operations Tom Thibodeau early this week, the meeting reportedly culminated in a trade request from superstar Jimmy Butler.

We’d considered the possibility of a trade request here at Dunking With Wolves, of course, but yours truly ultimately considered it unlikely, given the lack of leverage the Timberwolves will have in trying to move a star player during training camp. (Apparently Butler didn’t think through everything, however, as he was allegedly asking for an extension that was virtually impossible for him to get.)

Not only that, Butler has apparently provided a list of teams that he’d like to be traded to, with the idea that he could agree to a handshake deal for a max-contract extension in the offseason. The team that lands Butler will retain his Bird rights, after all, meaning that they could pay him more than any other team in unrestricted free agency.

The list of teams, if true, only somewhat matters. The theory from Butler’s perspective is that if he provides a list, those teams will be more likely to give up more to get him, since he’ll be indicating that he plans to re-sign in the offseason. But the Timberwolves will take their best offer, which may or may not come from a team on The List.

Or, maybe not.

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski apparently reported on the radio somewhere (sorry, no link) Thibodeau was sticking to his guns and not planning to trade Butler, potentially setting the stage for the most awkward media day in recent memory.

Now, we have some confirmation that that is indeed the case.

It sure seems to be a given among the media that Thibodeau is not backing down, which seems to be a terrible tactic in every way unless he can convince a team that he would really go into the season with the situation unresolved, thereby coaxing a massive trade offer.

It seems unlikely; there really isn’t any leverage remaining for Thibs after he waited too long to do something. Anything.

As far as potential destinations, Butler is reportedly most interested in the Clippers.

Our own Trey Flynn offered up five trade possibilities just after the news of the trade request broke on Tuesday. Just prior to that news, Klay Byker made his DWW debut with three idea of his own, one of which happened to include the Clippers.

His idea included the Wolves sending both Butler and Tyus Jones (who reportedly considered requesting a trade over the summer) to L.A. in exchange for Avery Bradley, Tobias Harris, and an unprotected first-round draft pick. The trade couldn’t actually be completed until Jan. 15, however, as Bradley just signed his contract extension.

Harris would be a good fit next to Karl-Anthony Towns but is a free agent after this season and will surely command something close to the max. While a great player, it would be tough to stomach paying a non-All-Star max money. (Hear that, Andrew Wiggins?)

It’s tough to find a deal that is attractive to the Wolves, and if the last couple of days is any indication, Tom Thibodeau won’t be forced into anything.

One last note: Jon Krawczynski’s above note is interesting, because there had been gathering steam that some teams had no interest in Butler due to his apparent inability/unwillingness to get along with young teammates.

From Sam Amico at AmicoHoops.net:

"“I wouldn’t trade for him,” the opposing GM told Amico Hoops. “Someone will, eventually. But he’s a problem.”…Butler and Thibodeau reportedly get along well and share a strong mutual respect. But Butler is upset with “contractual matters,” according to The Athletic. Hence, his trade request.“I’m not buying much of anything being put out there,” the opposing GM told Amico Hoops. “Butler’s reps are probably the source for most of this stuff, so we’re probably only hearing the very best of Butler being reported. But the guy has been two places, hasn’t really won (anything) and is causing issues. He has an inflated view of his own importance if you ask me. I wouldn’t want him on my team.”"

There are more entertaining quotes in there, so don’t hesitate to click-through and read through them all.

At any rate, there are a couple of clear narratives and sides to this story forming. And that’s to say nothing about the drama that unfolded overnight from Wednesday into Thursday, summarized nicely by our friends over at Canis Hoopus.

At any rate, buckle up. Everything could come together — or fall apart — this weekend. Either way, media day is happening on Monday.

What’s the worst that could happen?