Rumor: Jimmy Butler Demanded Massive Contract Before Timberwolves Trade Request

TheSportster

By Alex Hoegler

Published Sep 20, 2018

Minnesota Timberwolves star Jimmy Butler asked for a major contract extension before requesting a trade, according to reports.

Apr 25, 2018; Houston, TX, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Jimmy Butler (23) drives against Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul (3) in the second half in game five of the first round of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Minnesota Timberwolves All-Star guard Jimmy Butler requested a trade following a meeting with management on Wednesday, but not before seeking a massive extension from president and head coach Tom Thibodeau.

According to Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic, Butler wanted his contract to be reworked so he could earn $30 million for the 2018-19 season, and the four-time All-Star also wanted a four-year extension worth $145 million.

The Timberwolves offered Butler a four-year, $110 million extension in the offseason, which he turned down. Krawcyznski noted Wednesday that Butler's trade request was more of a contractual situation, rather than rumored tension with teammate Karl-Anthony Towns.

It should be noted that Thibodeau isn't interested in trading Butler, as he wants to hold onto the 29-year-old and compete for a playoff spot, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. It'd be difficult for the Timberwolves to get a comparable return for one of the game's elite shooters and defensive standouts.

'Woj' noted that the Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Clippers and New York Knicks are the three team's on Butler's wish list. All three of them have the cap space to sign him to the $190 million supermax, and Butler likes the fact the the teams could also afford another star player in free agency to play with him.

Wojnarowski also added that teams are hesitant about giving Butler a long term contract that would take him into his mid-30s. Thus, the list of possible suitors will be short, and teams may not have the desire to deal away young assets for a player who turns 30 next year.

Butler had a productive first season in Minnesota, averaging 22.2 points, 3.4 assists and 5.3 rebounds per game, helping the team end its 14-year playoff drought. But it sounds like maxing out on money is the top priority for Butler, even if it means leaving a playoff contender for a bottom-feeder team.

The regular season is only a month away now, so the Butler saga could meet a resolution in the next couple of weeks.

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