Report: Butler requests trade from Timberwolves
Jimmy Butler has requested a trade from the Minnesota Timberwolves and has presented three destinations where he would be interested in signing an extension, according to Jon Krawzynski of The Athletic.
Per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Butler's preferred teams are the Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Clippers, and New York Knicks.
Timberwolves president of basketball operations and head coach Tom Thibodeau reportedly traveled to Los Angeles to discuss the direction of the franchise with Butler on Tuesday.
Thibodeau reportedly resisted the idea of trading his disgruntled star, but Butler was adamant about finding a new home.
The demand puts Thibodeau and Minnesota in an awkward position after dealing for Butler last summer along with rookie Justin Patton - who recently had a third foot surgery since being drafted - for Kris Dunn, Zach LaVine, and No. 7 overall pick Lauri Markkanen.
Thibodeau parted ways with the young trio with hopes that Butler would become a leader for Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins.
There have been reports of Butler's displeasure with the Wolves duo, but this was reportedly not the reason for his demand.
Butler led the Timberwolves to their first postseason appearance since 2004 but failed to advance after being eliminated by the Houston Rockets in Round 1.
The 29-year-old averaged 22.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.9 assists in 59 contests last season.