Jimmy Butler to Timberwolves?

[ge1974]

ESPN is reporting that a deal is being worked on between Minny and Chicago b

[pbiflyer]

The Minnesota Timberwolves are prepared to part with the No. 5 overall pick in this month's draft, as the centerpiece of a trade package, if they can use it to construct a deal for Chicago Bulls star swingman Jimmy Butler, according to league sources.

Sources told ESPN.com that the Wolves, in these early days of the Tom Thibodeau era, have made it known to the Bulls that they are strongly interested in dealing for Butler should Chicago elect to make him available.

[MKE_GoldenEagleFan]

Butler, Wiggins, & Karl Anthony-Towns would be a good 3 headed monster... Especially considering they play defense too.

[warriorfan4life]

The Minnesota Timberwolves are prepared to part with the No. 5 overall pick in this month's draft, as the centerpiece of a trade package, if they can use it to construct a deal for Chicago Bulls star swingman Jimmy Butler, according to league sources.

Sources told ESPN.com that the Wolves, in these early days of the Tom Thibodeau era, have made it known to the Bulls that they are strongly interested in dealing for Butler should Chicago elect to make him available.

Visited a good friend in the Twin Cities a couple of weekends ago and the rumor up there was Butler for the fifth pick and Zach LaVine. I am all for that trade if Kris Dunn is on the board at 5. Dunn and LaVine could be the Bulls future backcourt, and there are some solid young frontcourt pieces with Portis, McDermott, and Mirotic. You can potentially draft a wing replacement for Butler at 14, plus have money freed up to potentially sign someone like Harrison Barnes in free agency. Love Jimmy, but would have no issue with a trade where you could get two players with Butler's ceiling (very good, possible All-Star, but not an elite superstar).

[IrwinFletcher]

A year ago, Chicago would have been up in arms over this rumor, but Jimmy has worn a bit thin on some of the fan base. Might be a good move for him to have a change of scenery and reunite with a coach he used to hate and then learned to love.

[bleedbluegold03]

A year ago, Chicago would have been up in arms over this rumor, but Jimmy has worn a bit thin on some of the fan base.

Can you elaborate? I didn't follow the Bulls as closely this year, but what's gone wrong?

[IrwinFletcher]

JB's issues with Rose, his calling out of the Head Coach multiple times, calling out teammates has started to rub people the wrong way and has given him a bit of an image as a prima Donna. Again, notice I said "a bit". Fans love his game and his hustle and his back story, but he also isn't an elite guy and likely never will be and that has some people scratching their heads as it isn't like Jordan or Kobe calling people out.

[warriorfan4life]

JB's issues with Rose, his calling out of the Head Coach multiple times, calling out teammates has started to rub people the wrong way and has given him a bit of an image as a prima Donna. Again, notice I said "a bit". Fans love his game and his hustle and his back story, but he also isn't an elite guy and likely never will be and that has some people scratching their heads as it isn't like Jordan or Kobe calling people out.

At this point, I think the franchise could use a fresh start and move away from both Butler and Rose (and Gasol, Noah, and even Taj). If you get LaVine and the #5 pick (ideally Kris Dunn), you have a couple of very nice guards to build around some solid frontcourt pieces. Also, while this group has upside, they likely miss the playoffs next year and land in the lottery in a much better draft (and maybe they can finally get Kings pick as well).

[mufansince72]

At this point, I think the franchise could use a fresh start and move away from both Butler and Rose (and Gasol, Noah, and even Taj). If you get LaVine and the #5 pick (ideally Kris Dunn), you have a couple of very nice guards to build around some solid frontcourt pieces. Also, while this group has upside, they likely miss the playoffs next year and land in the lottery in a much better draft (and maybe they can finally get Kings pick as well).

No way is the five pick and Lavine even close enough to land Butler.

Here is a more likely scenario from ESPN, and they said this might not be enough.

The Jimmy Butler deal

Bulls send: Jimmy Butler to Minnesota
Wolves send: No. 5 pick, Zach LaVine, Gorgui Dieng and Nikola Pekovic to Chicago

View trade in ESPN's trade machine

Why the Wolves do it: Because coach Tom Thibodeau loves Butler. Thibodeau has plenty of elite young players on the roster. He wants to put them in a winning culture and Butler would help tremendously with that.

The Wolves won't be the only team pursing Butler and this package might not be enough. But if Thibs could get this done, it's a slam dunk.

Why the Bulls do it: The Bulls are potentially facing a total rebuild. Pau Gasol might leave via free agency. Derrick Rose looks like he'll never be able to fully bounce back after several years of injuries.

Getting the No. 5 pick -- they really covet Dunn -- along with LaVine and Dieng, to go along with their own No. 14 pick, would allow the Bulls to start the rebuild process quickly.

The Celtics might be able to make a better offer, so keep an eye on that. Either way, the Bulls are likely missing the playoffs again next year. But this kind of deal would give them significant hope for the future.

[IrwinFletcher]

It is being reported in Chicago that the Bulls are quietly shopping Jimmy and are willing to let him go for the right price. some say if they play it right, they might be able to get Danny Ainge to part with many of Boston's picks that they have this and next year.

[MKE_GoldenEagleFan]

Jimmy to Boston would be cool because it would bring him and Jae back together. Although who knows, maybe Jae would be a part of the trade.

[Goose85]

Jimmy would be a great addition to most any team, because he plays defense at a high level.

How about Middleton and Monroe, and we filp flop first rounders for Butler. We might have to sweeten the pot or take back a salary.

[warriorfan4life]

Jimmy would be a great addition to most any team, because he plays defense at a high level.

How about Middleton and Monroe, and we filp flop first rounders for Butler. We might have to sweeten the pot or take back a salary.

If I'm the Bulls GM, any Butler trade needs to get a high enough draft pick back that allows them to pick Dunn (and that is not a possibility at 10th). Also, the only Bucks piece that intrigues me is Giannis, and he's not being traded.

To answer 72's point, I think you are underrating LaVine. He's a 21 year old guard that averaged 14 points per game and hit 38% of his threes in his second season. LaVine is the exact type of young piece that you want in return on a trade. It would be nice to get another big like Dieng back also, but LaVine and Dunn is a pretty good return for a non-elite player.

[TedBaxter]

Jimmy may not be considered an elite player, but a guy like Scottie Pippen is in the Hall of Fame and Jimmy is in his league.

[kneelb4zerg]

Jimmy may not be considered an elite player, but a guy like Scottie Pippen is in the Hall of Fame and Jimmy is in his league.

Jimmy is not in the same league as one of the 50 best players of all time.

[TedBaxter]

His production on offense and his defensive ability put him at an All-Star level.

[IWB]

Jimmy is not in the same league as one of the 50 best players of all time.

Many don't believe that Pippen really is/was one of the top 50 of all time.

[bleedbluegold03]

Jimmy Butler is a top 30 player in the NBA. I'd be hard pressed to find 5 SGs better than him (Harden, Thomas, then ?).

Problem is, in Chicago SGs play in the shadow of Jordan.

From what I heard Chicago said no with no Wiggins.

[mufansince72]

If I'm the Bulls GM, any Butler trade needs to get a high enough draft pick back that allows them to pick Dunn (and that is not a possibility at 10th). Also, the only Bucks piece that intrigues me is Giannis, and he's not being traded.

To answer 72's point, I think you are underrating LaVine. He's a 21 year old guard that averaged 14 points per game and hit 38% of his threes in his second season. LaVine is the exact type of young piece that you want in return on a trade. It would be nice to get another big like Dieng back also, but LaVine and Dunn is a pretty good return for a non-elite player.

I'm not underestimating Lavine. Jimmy is a proven all star. This is a weak draft. The picks after number 2 are not worth much. Last I heard just about every pick after number 2 is on the market. Who knows if Dunn will be any good. If I'm the Bulls I would make that trade for the 5 pick, Wiggins and Dieng, or 5 pick, Wiggins and Lavine.

To another persons point, the Celtics have too many draft picks in a weak draft. They are trying to get someone to take them off their hands or swap picks for next year. If they keep the picks they most likely will use some of them on international players that they could stash for a few years.

The Bucks don't have enough ammunition to make a Butler trade.

[TheSultan]

Dunn? Butler is 10 times the player Dunn is going to be. Jimmy Butler is a very good basketball player.

[mufan2003]

Many don't believe that Pippen really is/was one of the top 50 of all time.

Isiah Thomas. He said he could handle MJ, Magic and Bird not wanting him on the original Dream Team...but not Pippen.

[warriorfan4life]

Dunn? Butler is 10 times the player Dunn is going to be. Jimmy Butler is a very good basketball player.

I think Dunn will be Rajon Rondo with a better jump shot and much better attitude in the NBA. He is the only kid in the draft that I expect to play in multiple all-star games (others probably will, but Dunn is the only one I place that expectation on). More importantly, Dunn will be that level of player at the most important position in today's NBA. Impressed with what Jimmy Butler has become, but you can find wings that defend and hit the perimeter jumper. Not as easy to find a franchise type point guard.

[mufansince72]

I think Dunn will be Rajon Rondo with a better jump shot and much better attitude in the NBA. He is the only kid in the draft that I expect to play in multiple all-star games (others probably will, but Dunn is the only one I place that expectation on). More importantly, Dunn will be that level of player at the most important position in today's NBA. Impressed with what Jimmy Butler has become, but you can find wings that defend and hit the perimeter jumper. Not as easy to find a franchise type point guard.

I disagree wholeheartedly. There has never been as many great point guards as there are now in the NBA. I can't think of very many wings that defend and hit the perimeter jumper at an all star level. I also don't think the Dunn is that good, and would be very disappointed if I had a top 5 pick and had to settle for him, although I think he will be a decent NBA player.