Maybe Jimmy Butler is available after all.
Butler wants out of Minnesota for contractual purposes, but as of Friday, reports said the Timberwolves were rebuffing trade inquiries. That report from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski came with a caveat that Butler’s availability depended on team owner Glen Taylor’s approval.
Apparently Taylor is giving his approval for a trade.
Woj says Taylor told those at the NBA’s Board of Governors meeting that Butler is available.
Story filed to ESPN: As Minnesota’s front office tells inquiring rivals that team has no plans to trade Jimmy Butler, owner Glen Taylor had a different message at NBA’s Board of Governors meetings: Butler is available and owners/GM’s should contact Taylor himself if necessary.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 21, 2018
Minnesota acquired Butler last year from head coach Tom Thibodeau’s former team, the Chicago Bulls. Though Butler was limited to 59 games due to an injury, the team made the playoffs for the first time since 2004.
Butler is entering the final season of his contract and wants to be traded to a team with whom he would like to sign a big-money contract extension so that they can take advantage of his Bird rights. The Timberwolves’ next task will be getting the best return for Butler. Butler reportedly has threatened to hold out of training camp if he is not traded.
