Jimmy Butler Trade Rumor: Heat Offered Richardson And Pick

TheSportster

By Alex Hoegler

Published Oct 10, 2018

The Minnesota Timberwolves reportedly rejected an offer of Josh Richardson and a first round pick from the Miami Heat for Jimmy Butler.

Apr 19, 2018; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat forward Josh Richardson (0) attempts a shot against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half in game three of the first round of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Timberwolves continue to field offer for All-Star forward Jimmy Butler, and the Miami Heat reportedly had a big time offered by Tom Thibodeau and co.

According to Marc Stein of the New York Times, the Heat made an offer that was "headlined by" Josh Richardson and a protected first-round pick for Butler, but talks have "collapsed twice" between the two teams.

The Timberwolves are in a difficult decision, with the season a week away and Butler making it clear he won't re-sign with Minnesota. Three weeks after requesting a trade, Butler remains with the Timberwolves, even though ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski previously reported that owner Glen Taylor wanted a trade over with very soon.

Stein noted that Minny "really can’t hope to do better under these dire circumstances," when it comes to a trade offer for Butler. Richardson is only 25 years of age and renowned for his versatility and strong two-way play.

He averaged 12.9 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game in a breakout year for the Heat last season, and Richardson would slot in nicely on a young Minnesota team led by young stars Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns. But if the Timberwolves aren't willing to accept Miami's offer, it's anybody's guess if a trade will develop before the season starts.

Wojnarowski had previously reported that Butler wanted to join either the Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Clippers or New York Knicks, since all three teams have the salary cap space to hand him the max contract. The Heat and Houston Rockets have been aggressive in trade talks for Butler, but we continue to await for Thibodeau and the Minny front office to finally accept the right offer.

Butler was instrumental in helping Minnesota reach the playoffs for the first time in 14 years last season, but his stay in the Gopher State is bound to be short. We'll see how the trade saga plays out over the coming days.

NEXT: JIMMY BUTLER TRADE UPDATE: TIMBERWOLVES GIVEN SHORTLIST OF TEAMS HE WANTS TO GO TO