Considering the Timberwolves鈥 insistence on getting back for the buck, their intent to move four-time All-Star Jimmy Butler has not surprisingly hit a snag. Even as they were close to getting a deal done, going so far as to share medical records with the Heat, their 11th-hour demand 鈥渢o amend the framework of the trade,鈥 per ESPN.com鈥檚 Adrian Wojnarowski, led their otherwise-willing partner to back off.
That the Timberwolves actually 鈥渁dvanced to the brink of a blockbuster trade鈥 was no small feat. True, Butler wanted out and made his plan to explore free agency next year public, effectively sealing his fate; one way or another, he was going, going, gone. On the other hand, his insistence on playing for employers with the wherewithal to offer him a maximum five-year, $190-million contract has severely limited options.
It also hasn鈥檛 helped that head coach Tom Thibodeau continues to hold out hope for Butler suiting up in blue and white anew. With his job on the line, he鈥檚 reluctant to part with the single biggest reason for the Timberwolves鈥 first playoff appearance in 14 years. The incongruity with owner Glen Taylor鈥檚 pronouncements has effectively shooed away potential suitors.
Taken in this light, the Heat鈥檚 offer prior to backing out may well be hard to top. Even as Butler鈥檚 the National Basketball Association鈥檚 finest two-way workhorse not named Kawhi Leonard, the miles on his odometer and notable predilection for injury discount his overall effectiveness. That he will be an aging financial albatross on the tail end of the contract he seeks likewise gives interested parties pause.
That said, the Timberwolves clearly believe they can get better. Forget that the little leverage they have is eroded by the day. Never mind that Butler isn鈥檛 planning on hitting the court unless and until he sports a new address. As far as they鈥檙e concerned, he鈥檚 worth more than what they鈥檝e seen so far. It鈥檚 a gamble, but evidently one they鈥檙e willing to take. Too bad for fans; no matter what happens, they lose.
Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since 大象传媒 introduced a Sports section in 1994.
