It’s not just being talked about here in Minnesota, nationally people are wondering whether the Timberwolves should trade for Jimmy Butler after ESPN’s Chad Ford and Marc Stein reported that the Wolves were interested in dealing for the Chicago Bulls star.
The Bulls apparently want Andrew Wiggins in the deal, but a more likely package would be the No. 5 pick, Zach LaVine and Gorgui Dieng for Butler.
So should the Wolves pull the trigger? The Ringer’s Matt Borcas weighs in.
“Minnesota would immediately have the makings of a Big Three in Butler, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Wiggins,” he writes.
“Butler’s familiarity with Thibodeau’s complex defensive system would accelerate the Wolves’ development plan, and his legendary work ethic would set a sterling example for Minny’s young roster. Plus, when you can acquire an All-Star without giving one up, you have to pull the trigger.”
However, he is unsure of whether or not this is a wise move given that Butler is 26 and the Wolves core is still young.
“The Wolves are still at least a few years away from competing for a championship, and who knows what the future holds for Butler,” he writes.
“And besides, doesn’t it make more sense to draft [Buddy] Hield or Dragan Bender, either of whom could be available and would develop on the same timeline as Towns and Wiggins?”
Personally, I feel the Wolves should hold onto LaVine, who is incredibly athletic and had a breakout season last year and continue to add players that will develop on the same timeline as Karl-Anthony Towns and Wiggins.
Feel free to offer your two cents in the comments below.
[The Ringer]
