Timberwolves star Jimmy Butler is reportedly unhappy and will meet with the team to discuss. The Los Angeles Clippers may look to seize this opportunity.
Jimmy Butler, the Minnesota Timberwolves All-Star, is reportedly unhappy with the franchise. This story was first reported by The Atlantic who also said that Butler will meet with the team later today to discuss his future. The Los Angeles Clippers, along with other teams in the league, likely will pay attention to any details that come from the meeting.
Butler is coming off a season where he averaged 22.2 points on a career high 47.4% shooting. The defensive star also had a career high 2.0 steals per game.
He spoke out at times during the season even as the Timberwolves played well enough to make the playoffs for the first time in thirteen years. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the main culprit has been the tumultuous relationship between Butler and Karl-Anthony Towns.
The young center is in the midst of contract extension negotiations and if the rumors of Butler and Towns not getting along are true, then the writing is on the wall for a Butler departure.
Woj reported that the Los Angeles Clippers, along with the Lakers, Nets and Knicks are potential suitors for Butler next year when he hits the free agent market. However, with the possibility of a trade between now and the trade deadline in February, teams will have to start putting together trade package ideas.
For the Clippers, Butler could be the first piece in their plan to re-ignite the franchise post Lob City era. While the team struck out on trading for Kawhi Leonard this summer, landing Butler could help convince him to join forces next summer.
Both pieces would fit into the defensive mindset that the team seems to be building with players like Patrick Beverley and Avery Bradley already on this year’s roster.
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