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.