Sources: Timberwolves, Clippers discussing Jimmy Butler trade
The Minnesota Timberwolves and Los Angeles Clippers have had ongoing discussions about a trade centered around All-Star forward Jimmy Butler, league sources told Yahoo Sports.
The Timberwolves’ asking price has been deemed too high thus far, with multiple players and picks being requested, sources said.
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In any deal with the Clippers, Minnesota would prefer to acquire forward Tobias Harris, sources said. Various trade packages have been proposed on both sides, but the Clippers do not intend to trade Harris, sources said.
The Timberwolves’ brass hasn’t fully engaged the Clippers’ pitches, sources said, because it is believed that president of basketball operations/head coach Tom Thibodeau is holding out hope that he can persuade Butler to rescind his trade request.
The Clippers, who can provide a max salary, are one of Butler’s preferred destinations.
The Clippers are also expected to be in the mix next summer for the services of Toronto Raptors All-Star forward Kawhi Leonard and Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant.
In his his seventh NBA season — and first with Minnesota after a June 2017 trade with Chicago — Butler, 29, averaged 22.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.9 assists. Butler is a four-time All-Star and four-time All-Defensive Team member.
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