The Cleveland Cavaliers lost a franchise player in the offseason, but it looks like they might be aggressive in obtaining what they hope would be another one.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the Cavaliers are in pursuit of Minnesota Timberwolves guard Jimmy Butler, who has asked to be traded.
ESPN Sources: Another team pursuing a Jimmy Butler trade with Minnesota: Cleveland. Cavs owner Dan Gilbert was seen talking privately with Glen Taylor at NBA Board of Governors meeting on Friday. Both owners played a part in negotiating the Love-Wiggins deal.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 23, 2018
The Cavaliers are not one of Butler’s reported preferred destinations, though they could still offer him a max contract and pair him with another former Minnesota star in Kevin Love. That said, he doesn’t have a no-trade clause, so it’s not really up to him if the Timberwolves decide to go ahead with something.
The Cavaliers, of course, are looking for a new anchor after LeBron James departed via free agency. Butler isn’t James, but he can be a franchise player. It remains to be seen if Cleveland would be willing to make a deal without assurances of Butler committing to them long-term, as he can opt out of his contract after the upcoming season.
