Jimmy Butler Wants to Move to the Miami Heat

According to reports, All-Star forward Jimmy Butler wants to be traded from the Minnesota Timberwolves to the Miami Heat.

Jimmy Butler has been the center of a long-running saga for most of the offseason. Last week, that came close to a resolution when Jimmy Butler requested a trade.

Miami have been pursuing Butler “aggressively” since that request, according to Marc Stein of the New York Times.

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Marc Stein reported the news on Twitter:

“Jimmy Butler and his agent Bernie Lee have informed Wolves ownership that Miami is Butler’s preferred trade destination, league sources say.

“The Heat have pursued Butler as aggressively as any of the 20-plus teams to inquire thus far but, like many, have found it hard to get Minnesota to clearly communicate. League sources say Miami is a team that strongly appeals to the free agent-to-be Butler after a trade.”

Read: Jimmy Butler Denied Tom Thibodeau’s Effort to Keep Him with the Timberwolves

On Monday, Butler met with Thibodeau. However, he wasn’t convinced to remain with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Per EPSN’s Adrian Wojnarorowski, the 29 year old “remained resolute” on his desire to be traded.

Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor said that they will honor Butler’s request for a trade. However, he wants to find the solution that’s best for his franchise.

“Our reality is that he has requested a trade, so we’ll honor that,” Thibodeau told CBS Sports.

“But we’re not just going to make any deal. He requested a trade and we’re going to honor his request. But we’re not going to do anything that’s bad for the Timberwolves. We’re going to do what’s good for the Timberwolves. We have to prioritize that. That’s what our job is.”

For the No. 6 seed Miami Heat, Butler would be an excellent addition. He would certainly add some stardust to a roster that hasn’t yet changed much since last season.