NBA Rumors: 5 draft day trades Minnesota Timberwolves should make

April 5, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) is congratulated by guard Ricky Rubio (9) after making a basket while being fouled against the Golden State Warriors during overtime at Oracle Arena. The Timberwolves defeated the Warriors 124-117. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

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Apr 13, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) dribbles the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first quarter at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Jimmy Butler

Perhaps one of the hottest trade rumors right now has Chicago Bull’s standout Jimmy Butler headed to the Timberwolves to reunite with former Head Coach Tom Thibodeau.

Since being drafted in 2011, Butler has become one of the league’s most well-rounded players. Unlike some of the names on this list, Butler has been lauded for his work ethic and his seemingly never ending pursuit to improve.

Just a few seasons ago, Butler was seen as an important role player, but now he’s an all-star caliber performer on the hardwood. After being a reliable contributor early on in his career, he’s transformed into a 20 point a game scorer seamlessly evolving into the man an offense runs through. Rather than being an important piece to a team’s puzzle, Butler has become THE piece.

At times this past season, Butler and Head Coach Fred Hoiberg were at odds as Hoiberg believed Butler wasn’t buying into the type of offense he wanted to the team to run. Despite this, Butler succeeded anyway in Chicago’s half-court offense.

While many would argue acquiring Butler isn’t worth the no. 5 pick and a player from Minnesota’s young core, it’s an avenue the Timberwolves must explore completely. Chicago has been rumored to want Andrew Wiggins in any deal for Butler, but you and I both know that won’t happen.

Could a deal that does not include Wiggins get done? The early answer is probably not.

However, whatever it would take to put Butler in a Timberwolves uniform, the addition of such a player would be a huge positive for Minnesota.

Butler is under contract through 2018, when he’ll make $ 17.5 million followed by a player option in 2019 which would bank the NBA’s Most Improved Player of 2015 nearly $ 20 million.

It’s a hefty price to pay, along with the haul it will take to trade for him. Adding a player the caliber of Butler would be a big win for the Timberwolves, though Minnesota does have to worry about locking up some of their young talent with contract extensions soon.

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