NBA Trade Rumors: Timberwolves interested in Jimmy Butler, Paul George
By John Buhler
The Minnesota Timberwolves are throwing their hat into the ring to see if they can’t trade for Bulls guard Jimmy Butler or Pacers forward Paul George.
Two star players have been linked to trade rumors all offseason in the NBA: Chicago Bulls shooting guard Jimmy Butler and Indiana Pacers small forward Paul George. While the Cleveland Cavaliers have been the team linked to either All-Star the most, one team is emerging as a potential landing spot for either: The Minnesota Timberwolves.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical, “Minnesota continues to show interest in landing Paul George or Jimmy Butler.” Minnesota already has two up-and-coming stars in center Karl-Anthony Towns and small forward Andrew Wiggins. Do the Timberwolves have the assets to pull the trigger?
Minnesota has the No. 6 pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. Obviously that pick would have to be included in any draft day deal for Butler or George. The Timberwolves have cleared cap space by waiving often-injured big man Nikola Pekovic. Arguably any player on Minnesota not named Towns, even Wiggins, could be dealt in a package to nab either Butler or George.
Minnesota continues to show interest in landing Paul George or Jimmy Butler, league sources tell @TheVertical.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 22, 2017
The Timberwolves have not made the NBA Playoffs since 2004. That is the longest active playoff drought in the NBA. Minnesota hired former Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau to be the club’s head coach last season. He brings with him a hard-nosed commitment to defensive excellence. Thibodeau coached Butler in Chicago and both stars as a member of Team USA basketball.
Overall, the Timberwolves do have the assets to trade for either star player. Guards Ricky Rubio, Zach LaVine and Kris Dunn could be going the other way in a draft day deal. Adding either Butler or George instantly makes the Timberwolves a playoff contender.
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Butler has the longer contract and the familiarity with Thibodeau. George is playing on an expiring contract. He would prefer to sign with his hometown Los Angeles Lakers next summer. It serves Minnesota to be active in these trade talks. You can’t put a price on what it feels like to win with a star.