Jimmy Butler has reportedly returned to Minnesota with no resolution in sight as the Timberwolves continue to field offers for the four-time All-Star. Butler, who had remained away from the team during training camp and their recent West coast preseason road trip, is still demanding a trade to a team of his choosing.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Butler "reiterated his trade desire" during a meeting with head coach Tom Thibodeau on Monday after returning to Minnesota.
The Miami Heat had reportedly made progress in trade talks with Minnesota last week and were pushing the Wolves to accept a revised trade offer for Butler. However, proposed changes from Minnesota created a "breakdown” in negotiations, according to Marc Stein of The New York Times.
Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports reports that the Los Angeles Clippers have also been in contact with the Timberwolves but the Clippers, like some other potential suitors, view the asking price as "too high." According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Minnesota seeks quality veterans, top prospects, future assets and/or cap relief in any Butler trade.
The 29-year old star is still rehabbing his surgically repaired right wrist but he has reportedly shown no intentions of missing any regular season games so long as he's healthy. According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Butler has been working out at the team's facility during their West coast trip, and has been in regular contact with teammates.
The Timberwolves will open up the regular season on October 17 against the San Antonio Spurs.