Butler Could Leave in Free Agency Next Summer
The Timberwolves need to strongly consider moving Butler as soon as possible. In 2015 the Marquette product signed a 5-year $95 million contract. The seven-year veteran can opt out of his deal next summer which could mean that the T-Wolves would lose him for nothing.
#Twolves All-Star Jimmy Butler has officially turned down the Wolves' 4-year, $110M range extension offer, per owner Glen Taylor. Full interview posting soon, which includes stuff on KAT extension talks, Thibs, filling out the roster, and #LosLynx.
— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) July 13, 2018
At this point in time, it’s safe to say that he will not opt into his contract after liking pictures of him in different NBA jerseys. Timberwolves general manager Scott Layden needs to try his best to move Butler and his remaining contract quickly.
Trading Butler will allow the T-Wolves to shop for first round draft picks, a veteran player and possibly an upcoming player to say the least. There are plenty of teams in the Eastern Conference who would put together a solid package to land the four-time NBA All-Star.
One team that comes to mind as a possible destination is the Philadelphia 76ers who missed out on James, Paul George, and Kawhi Leonard. Philadelphia is currently the second favorite in the east after the Boston Celtics. The addition of Butler would increase the Sixers chances to win out in the Eastern Conference.
Philadelphia could be a potential trade partner and a team who may be willing to give up multiple picks and two solid players. Of course, we know that Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, and Markelle Fultz are off the table. Two other teams that could make an offer are the Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers.
Los Angeles may not want to take on the cap hit due to their focus on the 2019 free agency pool and their desire to hold on to their young core. Boston has a chance to pull off a trade because of their general manager in Danny Ainge and their endless draft picks and current players. Unfortunately, I don’t see Boston making a move until they see how Gordon Hayward and Irving play together.
