NBA Trade Rumors: According to a report, the Miami Heat are still considered the ‘likely’ destination for Jimmy Butler
As the sweepstakes for Jimmy Butler hits week two, the Miami Heat, according to New York Times writer Marc Stein, are still considered the most likely destination for the all-star shooting guard when the Minnesota Timberwolves finally unleash him.
It was reported last week by Stein that Butler’s agent had informed the Timberwolves that Miami is now his preferred landing spot, and it was also reported last week that the Heat have been one of the most engaged teams on landing Butler.
Still, they haven’t been able to come to an agreement. Stein believes it will happen, though, sooner or later.
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"[via New York Times]I’m sticking with Miami as the most likely destination for Butler. The Heat want Butler immediately and have been trying as hard as anyone in the league to construct a trade that will satisfy the Wolves.Sooner rather than later, I expect Pat Riley to succeed in that quest…"
The big question is how long Tom Thibodeau will drag this out. From the sound of everything that’s been reported, Thibs seems to be the culprit in a deal not completed yet. Which leaves me to believe one of two things – either that he’s holding out and playing a game of chicken with Pat Riley, or that he’s trying to get fired.
If I had to bet, it’s probably that he’s holding out for a better deal – only because I don’t believe Thibs, a big basketball guy – would go out like this. However, when you have little-to-zero leverage, which Thibs doesn’t, it’s kind of just a waste of time to just sit back and wait for a market to grow.
Thibs probably has good intentions here, but the longer he waits the worse he’s going to come away unless he can find another team to bump up the price and create a bidding war. But that seems to be unlikely at this point.