The Miami Heat have been linked to Jimmy Butler more often than any other team since Butler told the Minnesota Timberwolves he wants to be traded, and a deal remains a possibility even if talks keep breaking down.
Reports over the past week have indicated that the Heat and Timberwolves got close to agreeing to a trade involving Butler, but Minnesota’s asking price is too high. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Miami is not giving up.
After talks fell apart over weekend, Miami's still pursuing discussions with Minnesota on a Jimmy Butler trade, sources tell ESPN. Butler has been in Timberwolves locker room with teammates this morning before practice, but that doesn't necessarily mean he'll join them on floor.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 10, 2018
The main issue is likely that the Timberwolves have no leverage, and the Heat are trying to use that to their advantage. Butler can opt out of his contract after the coming season, and teams won’t be willing to give up much for him when they know he is leaving Minnesota and they can just wait to sign him in free agency.
Despite that, we have heard rumblings that Timberwolves coach Tom Thibodeau believes Butler could still be on the roster when the season begins. Team owner Glen Taylor seems to have a much different mindset, as he does not want to give off the impression that there is dysfunction within his organization.
