Jimmy Butler isn't interested in putting on a Timberwolves jersey again. The locker room would be an awkward place for the four-time All-Star after he was excused from Monday's media day, and he won't be showing up for training camp this week.
But beyond the strained relationships with teammates and members of the front office, Butler has bigger reasons to want out of Minnesota — almost 50 million reasons, actually.
TRADE RUMORS: Butler hoping to join Heat?
Butler, who averaged 22.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game last season, turned down a four-year extension worth approximately $110 million this past summer. That decision made a great deal of sense considering how much money Butler would have left on the table by signing the extension.
With his trade request out in the open, Butler wants to join his next team immediately rather than wait until free agency next summer. Why not play out one more year with the Timberwolves, decline the 2019-20 player option and hit the open market in the offseason?
Just take a look at the dollar amount in each possible situation. There's your answer.
| Butler max contract | Trade and re-sign with new team | Sign with new team as FA |
| Years | 5 | 4 |
| Dollars | $190M | $141M |
| Per year | $38M | $35.25M |
For a player like Butler who has averaged more minutes per game over the last five seasons than anyone in the league, financial security is key. The 29-year-old is unlikely to find another huge contract once he hits his mid-30s, so this is his last chance to capitalize on his star power.
However, Timberwolves president of basketball operations and head coach Tom Thibodeau doesn't seem all that committed to the idea of trading Butler. Thibodeau's major move as president was acquiring Butler from the Bulls, so losing him only one year later would not be a highlight on his resume.
From a coaching perspective, replacing Butler's value would be all but impossible.
The Timberwolves were 37-22 with Jimmy Butler last season. That .627 win percentage would've been good enough for the 3 seed in the Western Conference.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) September 26, 2018
Instead, he missed 23 games, and Minnesota went just 10-13 without him, finishing as the 8 seed. pic.twitter.com/ayhxuoWW27
At this point, though, it's difficult to see how a trade doesn't get completed in the near future, regardless of how Thibodeau feels.
That's terrific news for news for Butler — and his bank account.
