[Arc12345Participant]

Well…looks like Jimmy B isn’t going anywhere…so much for that sleeper fantasy pick. I understand the Wolves want max return, but you just seem incredibly greedy when you make last second demands on a trade.

Regardless, I’m really not sure how to feel about the entire situation. Jimmy B has been criticized before for not being the best leader. Instead of showing people the way, it’s been said he just points the finger. But people are professional athletes and adults, so I understand his mindset. He shouldn’t have told people’s hands.

With Wiggins and Towns, people have crticized their heart and motivation, so I understand Jimmy B’s frustration. But they’re still relatively young.

Whose side do you guys take? I’m probably more inclined to side with Butler, but I’m pretty torn. I hope he’s dealt before the season starts, but it’s unlikely. How they can imagine starting the season with him in the lockeroom is honestly unbelievable and they’re setting themselves up for a circus.

 

 

  

[ZouldiersParticipant]

 My popcorn is ready for the season premiere of this new soap opera in the NBA

[HitsterParticipant]

 Butler being a 30th pick who came into the NBA as a likely role player but turned himself into an All Star maybe has more drive and determination than a top pick like Wiggins and KAT who had more natural talent but maybe didn’t need to work so hard.

Thibs put a good locker room leader into the team with Taj Gibson amnd brought in experienced Jeff Teague and Jamal Crawford to compliment and perhaps move power away from any of the big three.

 

[Dazzling Dunks and Basketball BloopersParticipant]

I’m not siding with anybody. I’m sure butler has his reasons for wanting to be traded, but at the same time it would be dumb for Minnesota to just give into his demands and send him where he wants to the detriment of their team. Butler has to understand that by putting demands on where he wants to be traded and would be open to signing an extension with, he is severely limiting his overall trade value. I understand that butler is trying to dictate his future, but there are only a handful of players in the league that are really good enough to do that, and butler isn’t quite in that class. The truth is that for the vast majority of teams, the idea of giving up the amount of assets that Minnesota is seeking doesn’t make any sense given that butler could be a one year rental.

Something is going to have to give here. Thibs is as hard-headed as they come, and as long as he is in charge, he’s not going to give in and make a bad deal. So either butler is going to have to decide to greatly expand the list of teams he’s willing to commit to long-term or he’s going to have to suck it up and prepare to start the season in Minnesota. Unless they fire thibs and the owner steps in, those are really the only scenarios I see that would end this stalemate.

  

[Arc12345Participant]

Okay Switzerland…In Butler’s defense, he gave quite a few trade destinations (Clippers, Heat, Knicks, Nets). This is really no different than what Kyrie demanded when he wanted out of Cleveland (he named Wolves, Spurs, Heat, and Knicks). Obviously Kyrie ended up in Boston, but he gave them options just like Jimmy has done. So I’m asssuming you felt the same way when Kyrie demanded a trade.

Regardless, Jimmy is actually doing them a favor. Because he could’ve walked for nothing next summer. So let’s not act like Jimmy is the one screwing the franchise over (even though he owes them nothing) like Durant.

And that’s exactly my point, Minnesota is asking for an absurd deal that is not only unrealistic, it’s unfair. For you to back out of a trade last second and THEN demand more is weak. Their front office is a joke. Thibs needs to make a deal, because this drama doesn’t help your team at all.

Be grateful you’re getting something back in return at all. Move on so you can have a drama free season.

 

[CynthiaParticipant]

The difference is Kyrie is a franchise player, Butler is not. Butler is good but he’s not carry-a-team good. In fact I think he’s best as a second or third option than a first. There is no question Kyrie is a first option player and someone who can actually make a significant difference in a franchise. So your argument here doesn’t make any sense unless you legitimately believe Butler is on Kyrie’s level and if that’s the case I’m not sure what league you’re watching.

[SubZeroParticipant]

I think you’re heavily overrating Kyrie

[Dazzling Dunks and Basketball BloopersParticipant]

 Butlers situation is different than kyrie for several reasons. For one, kyrie was 25 when he demanded a trade whereas butler is 29. Kyrie also had 2 years left on an extremely market friendly deal, whereas butler is set to be a free agent next summer. So when the celtics traded for kyrie they knew they were getting at least 2 yrs of him on a team friendly contract, and than they would have the ability to lock him up long-term through what should be his prime seasons. 

Whatever team trades for butler not only runs the risk of him leaving for nothing next year, but they also will have to weigh the risks of giving a long-term max deal to a guy in his 30s who has likely already peaked as a player. 

I’m not saying butler is right or wrong for demanding a trade, but he’s putting the wolves in a tough position by doing so. They can’t expect to get nearly the return that the Celtics did for kyrie given the circumstances. I can definitely understand their rationale for dragging this out to try to get as close as possible to what they’re seeking in a deal rather than just settling for the sake of getting something done and moving on.

 

 

[HitsterParticipant]

 The T-Wolves make the deal which is best for them regardless of where Butler wants to go. If a likely lottery team offers a good pick then they take it. Plus they have the carrott of being able to offer Butler by far the biggest deal next summer.

[RUDEBOY-Participant]

 Well u can’t blame teams for not giving up assets for a guy that could be a 1 yr rental. Not everyone can be as lucky as OKC by getting PG to resign.

[XYRYXParticipant]

I have to say I lost all my respect for Butler the last couple of months. I always liked his two way game and when he was a rookie I learned he slept in his car for a while before he came into the league and I always like players who exceed expectations and surprise people big time BUT…

Mr. Butler signed a big fat contract with the Bulls but once they went the rebuild route, he decided he didn’t want to be there and wanted to be traded for the first time while not being through his contract even half. Now he is not happy with players who are more talented the him in Wiggins and Towns, cause they lack the mindset and leadership to be truely great and don’t maximize their talent. For sure many, including me has a similar view on Wiggins and Towns, but what exactly has he done as a leader to justify demanding two trades on two teams all over one contract span? 

I mean he refused to show up for training camp and preseason, he let his team down. Even Taj said he was stunned by this actions and they know each other for many years and are considered close friends. Basically he has done sh!t for any of his teams to justify any of his demands especially if you take into account that he is officially doing this because his teammates attitude is not what he wants to see… Btw there are rumors he is mad at KAT because of a girl, what a sissy man. Potential teams trading for him or next summer suitors should really think twice if his intentions are about the team at all or only personal things that make him happy. I mean if his ‚only‘ problem with the other stars is about attitude and mindset this could be best cured with leading by example and internal discussions and not with leaking everyone of his wishes instantly to the media.  

[HeroescantdieParticipant]

This was kinda funny, Butler kicked the starters’ ass when he played in practice with 3rd stringers, it’s like Kobesque in the sense that his with 3rd stringers against towns and wiggins and other starters lol.

Kidding aside, I think Minnesota is torn between giving up butler since they gave up two young playes, potential starter caliber players with all star potential and high draft picks before in dunn and lavine and if they would trade butler to richardson and the 1st rd pick, I think the GM kinda think that they’ll give up assets for jimmy and they could not get those kind of assets with this trade. I’m siding with Butler here, if I’m a franchise owner I want my Max guys and franchise players have that motivation and drive like jimmy. I don’t want any babies in my team, They are not rookies anymore, not sophomore or 2nd year players.

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

[GBeeParticipant]

 I think people are overlooking just how good Butler was last season. He was easily one of the best, most impactful players in the league. The only thing that marred his season was injury, but when he played he was easily top 10 in the league. He might not be as clutch as Kyrie at the end of games but he brings it on both ends, having the capability of defending the opposition’s best perimeter player while also being a good scorer/playmaker. He might not be a superstar in the eyes of many, but his impact was that of a superstar. He has the right to expect more from his teammates if he is clearly the best player and hardest worker. If they don’t wanna follow his lead to be better overall players then that is their loss. I don’t have a problem with the trade demand either. As far as I’m concerned he’s doing them a favor by telling them that he has no intention of re-signing with them. There is absolutely nothing wrong with a player informing his team he does not want to play for them going forward. Players can only have their rights controlled so much, at some point their careers should be in their hands.

[OhCanada-Participant]

 Yep I agree. One of the best two way players in the league last year, easily the best two way wing singlehandidly brought the Wolves to the playoffs. But he’s logged big time minutes in his relatively short career and is close to 30 now. Also doesnt get along lol.

[HitsterParticipant]

Lavine was injured when he was traded and was coming up for a hefty renewal. Dunn hardly played in his rookie year and would Lauri M have been a Thibs type player?

But you can say T-Wolves passed on Lauri, Frank N and Dennis Smith so would want a fair return for Butler and might even consider keeping cap space open rather than doing a deal which didn’t really benefit them.

If I was Thibs – I’d be tempted to give the Suns a call and see if they had interest in Butler as they love their swingmen. Seriously an offer based around TJ Warren and one of Bender, Jackson or Bridges plus protected pick could interest T-Wolves.

[Author]

Posts