The Minnesota Timberwolves and Los Angeles Clippers have had talks about a Jimmy Butler blockster trade, according to Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports.
However, sources told Haynes that Minnesota's asking price "has been deemed too high," and they want Clippers' forward Tobias Harris in a deal. Los Angeles doesn't plan on trading Harris, per Haynes.
It's worth noting that ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski initially reported the Clippers, Brooklyn Nets and New York Knicks as Butler's three most preferred trade destinations. All three have the cap space to give Butler the super max contract, and Butler likes the fact each of those teams have the room to add another superstar as well in 2019.
Wojnarowski also noted that Butler likes the idea of being able to play in a big market, but he doesn't want to play as LeBron James' sidekick for the Los Angeles Lakers. That's where the Clippers have the edge when it comes to the two LA-based teams, but it sounds like Minnesota reduce the offer if a trade is to be had with the Clippers.
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Reports have also suggested that the Clippers are the favorites to land Toronto Raptors star Kawhi Leonard, who could hit the free agent market next year. Perhaps Los Angeles manages to land both Leonard and Butler, and thus return to status as one of the top teams in the Western Conference.
After coming over to Los Angeles from the blockbuster Blake Griffin trade, Harris made a major impact with his new team. He averaged 19.3 points, six rebounds and 3.1 assists per game.
As such, it's not hard to understand why the Clippers would be hesitant to part with Harris, who's three years younger than Butler. Even though Minnesota owner Glen Taylor wanted a trade done with last week, it sounds like a deal isn't imminent for Butler.
NEXT: JIMMY BUTLER TRADE UPDATE: TIMBERWOLVES GIVEN SHORTLIST OF TEAMS HE WANTS TO GO TO
