The Los Angeles Clippers haven’t been talked about recently regarding Jimmy Butler. With his price seemingly too high, the team is wise to not pursue any trades.
With some NBA preseason games starting as early as tomorrow, there is still no real news on the Jimmy Butler front. The Los Angeles Clippers, among other teams, have seemingly stayed away from trading for the star due to Minnesota’s extremely high asking price.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the Timberwolves are asking for proven veterans, future assets, cap space and prospects. Keep in mind, this is all for a disgruntled player with only one year left on his contract.
ESPN Reporting w/ Zach Lowe: Minnesota’s asking price for Jimmy Butler remains too steep for teams. Minny seeks quality vets/top prospects/future assets/cap relief. Too high a price for interested teams, including Miami. Sources are skeptical of Thibodeau’s desire to make deal.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 27, 2018
While a top-20 player in the league, asking for all of these things seems a bit asinine. As Woj says in the above tweet, it seems like Tom Thibodeau is likely trying to keep the asking price high in order to keep Butler on the team.
Butler was allowed to not participate in media day by Wolves management and ownership reportedly wants him out. Still, no moves have been made and likely won’t be unless Thibs is willing to come down on his price.
If he doesn’t and no trade happens, the Los Angeles Clippers could end up as big winners. Although Miami has stepped forward as the front runner for Butler, there was a time last week that the Clippers were seen as the favorite to land the All-Star.
If Butler doesn’t move and enters free-agency next summer, the Clippers could pitch him the idea of joining forces with Kawhi Leonard. Woj reported last week that the idea of joining Leonard in Los Angeles intrigued Butler.
The Clips could just play out this season and not give up a treasure trove of pieces to bring Butler in with the hope that they can allure him next summer. By doing so, they may be able to field a more complete team built around two star players.
Until something does happen with Butler though, all focus will remain on training camp in Hawaii, where the Clippers will face off against the Sydney Kings on Sunday, September 30.