NBA Trade Rumors: Jimmy Butler reiterates desire for trade in meeting with Thibs

NBA Rumors: As trade talks have cooled, Jimmy Butler has reiterated to the Minnesota Timberwolves that he wants to be traded

It’s been almost a month since Jimmy Butler informed the Minnesota Timberwolves that he wanted a trade out of town, and, if possible, to the Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Clippers, New York Knicks or Miami Heat.

However, Tom Thibodeau, the Wolves’ coach and general manager, hasn’t found a deal that makes sense for Minnesota – or for him. And it has complicated things, especially considering that the team is in the midst of their pre-season schedule and that the regular season begins a week from today.

It was reported over the weekend that the Heat and Wolves were close to a blockbuster deal involving Butler, but was nixed just before crossing the finish line by Thibodeau.

Now, though, Butler has reiterated his desire to be moved in a meeting with Thibs. Question is, will that change anything?

From all the reports that have surfaced, Thibs’ asking price in any deal for Jimmy Butler is absolute insane, and unrealistic (considering the circumstances that the Wolves have been dealt). But this latest meeting could push Thibs into a corner, perhaps one that would get him to get a deal done.

If he was holding out hope that Butler would have a change of heart and would play out the season with the Wolves, that’s pretty much out the door.

Now is when a deal needs to be done, unless Thibs is perfectly fine with dragging this into his locker room and into the regular season. I don’t know how much more clear Butler can make that he doesn’t want to be in Minnesota, he hasn’t reported to training camp yet.

With a week until the regular season, it’s going to be interesting to see how this situation plays out in the coming days. But it wouldn’t be all that surprising to see Butler report to the team this weekend. This could drag into the regular season, folks. Buckle in.