NBA Trade Rumors: Jimmy Butler wants a trade to the Miami Heat

NBA Trade Rumors: Jimmy Butler reportedly wants to be traded to the Miami Heat, according to recent reports; but that likely doesn’t change anything

It’s amazing how much things can change in the matter of a week.

It wasn’t too long ago that Jimmy Butler requested a trade from the Minnesota Timberwolves. Shortly after that happened, it was reported that his preferred destinations revolved around three teams – the Brooklyn Nets, New York Knicks and Los Angeles Clippers.

However, now it’s being reported that Jimmy Butler wants a trade to the Miami Heat, according to veteran NBA reporter (and current New York Times writer) Marc Stein.

With that said, this likely doesn’t change much. It’s not like Jimmy Butler has a no-trade clause or anything, so the Wolves will still dictate where he’s traded. They’re going to look for the best deal out there, and make the trade that is best for their future.

What this report could do, is force teams to rethink their offers. If Butler says he wants to be in Miami, perhaps a team that has to give up valuable assets will pull their offer, afraid that even if they do land him that he’ll simply walk in free agency next summer.

At the same time, we could have another situation like we did a few months ago with Kawhi Leonard. Where the Toronto Raptors weren’t even of Kawhi’s radar, but decided to take the risk and make a move even if it was just a one-year rental.

If there’s another team out there that believes they can convince Jimmy Butler to re-sign this offseason, then they could possibly make a better offer than anything the Heat can propose.

Again, this likely doesn’t change anything for the Wolves. Perhaps they lose some leverage here, if anything. All that is learned is that Jimmy Butler would be interested in playing for the Heat. Nothing more, nothing less.

Buckle up, it’s going to be a crazy next couple of days.