The Minnesota Timberwolves made a big splash in this year’s NBA Draft after trading for All-Star swingman Jimmy Butler. The Wolves have put themselves in good position to contend for the playoffs in the Western Conference by acquiring the two-way player Tom Thibodeau previously groomed. However, sources close to situation are reporting that Thibs is far from done as he’s also trying to reunite with former point guard Derrick Rose.
The Trade:
Veteran NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski of the Vertical at Yahoo Sports reported the Bulls-Wolves blockbuster trade in the early minutes of the 2017 NBA Draft.
According to Woj, the Wolves are sending Zach Lavine, Kris Dunn and this year’s no.7 pick to the Bulls in exchange for Butler and no.16 pick. The Bulls then used the no.7 pick to select Finnish big man Lauri Markkanen out of Arizona while the Wolves picked up another big man in Justin Patton from Creighton at no.16.
Deal has been agreed in principle. Butler is rejoining Tom Thibodeau. https://t.co/MjXA12fCng
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojVerticalNBA) June 22, 2017
The reason behind the deal:
The Wolves have been trying to get Butler ever since Thibodeau stepped in as the team’s general manager and head coach. Butler, who made it to the All-NBA third team after averaging 23.9 points on 45 percent FG shooting with 6.2 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game, will no longer be eligible of the designated veteran player’s extension but he will get a chance to become a major piece of the NBA’s team of the future – the Timberwolves.
Butler’s perimeter defense and scoring prowess will make the Wolves more than ready to fight with the West heavyweights next season.
As for the Bulls, it signals the start of the full-rebuild for the franchise. Butler was the Bulls’ best player over the last three seasons, and his departure only means Gar Forman and John Paxsons are about to make necessary house-cleaning.
The GarPax regime could look into the possibility of buying out Dwyane Wade’s $24 million salary for next season and not exercising team option on Rajon Rondo’s partially guaranteed deal ($14 million).
What’s next for Wolves
With Butler now on board, Thibs will shift his attention on acquiring another former player who once thrived in his system.
Minnesota was close to trading for Derrick Rose before the deal eventually fell through at the trade deadline.
However, the Wolves, per league insider, are expected to renew their interest in Rose when he hits the free-agency market. It doesn’t necessary mean a trade involving Ricky Rubio is imminent, but Thibs will give Rose all the opportunity in the world to prove his worth again, whether as a starter or a bench player.
