LA Clippers Rumors: Timberwolves G Jimmy Butler requests trade

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Jimmy Butler has reportedly requested a trade. Could the LA Clippers make Tom Thibodeau an offer he can’t refuse?

This summer has been filled with never-ending NBA chaos. First, it was DeMarcus Cousins going to Golden State to seemingly break the league. Then, it was the DeMar DeRozan for Kawhi Leonard swap that wrapped up months of speculation. And how could we forget about LeBron James taking his talents to Los Angeles?

Somewhere along the line, the basketball gods decided that what we’ve been through wasn’t enough, and have decided to bless us with one more tidbit of destruction.

According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Minnesota Timberwolves All-Star guard Jimmy Butler has requested a trade from the franchise. Charania followed with another tweet that stated Butler had been “contemplating [his] future” in Minnesota for weeks, and finally informed Tom Thibodeau earlier today.

Perhaps the most important thing that came from Charania’s tweets is that Butler has reportedly given Minnesota a list of one-to-three teams that he would be satisfied signing an extension with, barring a trade. Those teams are of course unknown, but that won’t stop people from speculating.

One team that could possibly trade for and offer Butler a healthy extension is the LA Clippers. The Clippers are projected to have roughly $70 million in cap space next summer, more than enough to re-sign Butler and a player of equal value. The difficult part for LA will be offering a convincing trade. While the team has no shortage of assets, other teams will be able to offer more “star power” in return for Butler.

One trade the Clippers could consider offering the Timberwolves is one featuring either Danilo Gallinari or Tobias Harris, a first round pick, and another player of Minnesota’s choice. And while that may not seem like much for a four-time All-Star like Butler, his contract will expire following this season, and it’s all but certain that he won’t be re-signing in Minnesota after it’s up. Any trade offer would be more than what the Timberwolves would get by letting him walk next summer.

If a trade does happen, we can expect it within the next week. Minnesota will hold their media day next Monday, and will set their training camp roster on Tuesday, according to The Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski.

Assuming the Clippers can offer Thibodeau a convincing offer, the chances Butler re-signs are fairly high. After he plays out this season, LA could pair him with another star like Kyrie Irving, Kemba Walker, or even Kawhi Leonard.