Hoops Habit
Fansided

Minnesota Timberwolves: After Jimmy Butler trade request, what now?

By James Grieco

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 11: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on during the game against the Denver Nuggets on April 11, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Nuggets 112-106. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 11: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on during the game against the Denver Nuggets on April 11, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Nuggets 112-106. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 5
Next
(Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
(Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

Los Angeles Clippers

Since the initial news broke, Woj has further reported the Clippers are Butler’s No. 1 option. Considering the draw of the Los Angeles market and the fact that the Clippers will have two max contract spots next offseason, it’s logical for Butler to target them.

Because owner Steve Ballmer will spend what it takes to keep the team successful, and because of Jerry West‘s influence on the front office and a new arena deal in Inglewood that was finally approved this summer, the Clippers are no longer a laughingstock.

However, of the three teams Butler listed, the Clippers present the least appealing assets for a trade.

If Thibodeau gets to call the shots, the Clippers are best positioned to offer the Timberwolves a solid package of veteran pieces so Minnesota can still push for the playoffs, but that would be incredibly misguided.

While Tobias Harris is a good player and a great scorer, he will be a free agent next summer and will demand a big payday. Trading for the right to pay him over $100 million is not a good long-term move. Patrick Beverly is injury-prone and Danilo Gallinari is overpaid. The Wolves shouldn’t want any of them.

The Clippers also owe the Boston Celtics a first round pick, which means the next first-rounder they could offer would be in 2022.

While they do sport rookies Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jerome Robinson, Los Angeles has already fallen in love with the Kentucky product, and Robinson doesn’t project as much more than a bench scorer.

Simply put, the Wolves shouldn’t cave in to Butler’s desire to go to the Clippers.

Home/Minnesota Timberwolves