Jimmy Butler Requests Trade, Wants Out of Minnesota

Sep 19, 2018, 12:00 AM | Updated: Jan 4, 2019, 11:34 am

(Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)

(Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)

by Matt George – Sports 1140 KHTK Reporter

Last season for the Minnesota Timberwolves marked the end of a rough stretch of losing, struggle, and frustration as the T-Wolves finally managed a postseason appearance, passing their title of “Longest Playoff Drought” to the Sacramento Kings. What should have been a summer of optimism and higher expectation for next season, turned sour quickly after a quick playoff exit and rumored discontent in the locker room.

Wednesday, things came to a head, as all-star Jimmy Butler, who was traded to Minnesota last June, as formally asked to be traded after a meeting with head coach and president of basketball operations Tom Thibodeau.

It seemed like a perfect fit for Butler, reunited with Thibodeau, his favorite coach while with Chicago, as well as a collection of established talent. However, due to Thibodeau’s demanding minutes for his starters, and the creation of factions among the teammates, it’s no wonder that Butler wants out.

In search of that massive payday, the 29-year-old lock-down defender has narrowed his desired list of teams down to three; the Brooklyn Nets, New York Knicks, and Los Angeles Clippers.

Butler averaged 22 points, five rebounds, two steals, and just under five assists in 59 games for the Timberwolves last season.

Things are expected to move quickly with training camps beginning later this month. A trade more than likely will be agreed upon within a week.

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