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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) /
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New York Knicks
(Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

New York Knicks

Butler’s desire to play in a big market alongside another star is evident, as he listed only New York and Los Angeles teams that will have loads of cap space next summer.

New York, which has been bandied about before when considering the hypothetical pairing of Butler and good friend Kyrie Irving, does have the pieces to make Minnesota think hard about a deal.

Of course, the Knicks front office just said a few days ago that their approach to team-building has radically changed from the days of giving away draft picks like free candy:

https://twitter.com/KnickFilmSchool/status/1041838895070109696

The Knicks have possibly the best draft asset to offer Minnesota in rookie Kevin Knox, but the likelihood they’d include him seems extremely low after he excelled in NBA Summer League.

Whether the franchise will reconsider its standpoint after Butler has openly opined about joining the team remains to be seen, but a package of Tim Hardaway Jr., Frank Ntilikina and an unprotected first-rounder would be appealing for a Timberwolves team with little leverage.

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