Jimmy Butler Reportedly Told The Timberwolves He Wants To Be Traded To Miami

The Minnesota Timberwolves are working on a resolution to the trade drama surrounding All-Star wing Jimmy Butler, making it feel like Butler’s departure can happen at any time in the coming days. On Wednesday morning, a new twist emerged, as Butler and his agent, Bernie Lee, reportedly approached the Timberwolves’ brass and told them where he would like to go.

The catch: The team Butler submitted to Minnesota was not on the reported list of three squads where he wanted to end up at the start of this trade saga. Instead, Butler and Lee told the Wolves that he would like to become a member of the Miami Heat, per Marc Stein of the New York Times.

Stein went onto report that Miami has worked the phones hard to get something done with Minnesota — which had been said in the last few days — but apparently, the Timberwolves have been reluctant to “clearly communicate.”

It bears mentioning that the Timberwolves don’t have to send Butler to Miami, or anywhere else that he might request, as his contract does not include any sort of a no-trade clause. Tom Thibodeau, who reports indicate had previously not been on board with moving Butler, said at media day that the team will not make a bad deal in exchange for the All-Star.

There may not be a better cultural fit for Butler than Miami, as he would theoretically fit into the Heat’s hard-nosed system perfectly. He’d also be reunited with his pal, Dwyane Wade, while his desire to be the top dog on whatever team acquires him would be satiated, as he’d be the No. 1 option in Miami and would assume the mantle of face of the franchise once Wade retires at the end of this season. It may cost the Heat a few young players they like — it stands to reason that players like Bam Adebayo, Josh Richardson, and Justise Winslow would catch Minnesota’s attention — but Pat Riley’s always in favor of acquiring superstars. Now, one is certainly within his sights.