Minnesota Timberwolves Rumors: Tom Thibodeau Wants To Trade For Jimmy Butler

When the Chicago Bulls selected Jimmy Butler with the No. 30 overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, there’s no way that anyone could’ve predicted the type of player he’s developed into. He was looked at as a solid defender, but someone with a need to develop a more consistent offensive game in order to succeed in the NBA.

Through immense hard work and determination, Butler has become one of the best two-way players in the NBA. During the 2014-15 season, the former Marquette standout finished with 20.0 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game and was named the NBA’s Most Improved Player. That season helped him earn a shiny new contract extension worth $90 million over five years.

This past season, Butler responded with even better numbers as he produced 20.9 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game, but the Bulls missed the playoffs for the first time since the 2007-08 season and look to be on the verge of blowing the team up.

If the Bulls choose to do a full rebuild, then Butler would be the player with the most value in a trade. We’ve already heard that the Boston Celtics, who possess a number of draft picks — including the No. 3 overall pick — in the 2016 NBA Draft, are interested in the 26-year-old Butler. And now, the Minnesota Timberwolves, and Butler’s former head coach Tom Thibodeau, have stepped to the forefront as suitors.

Story going online now with @chadfordinsider: Wolves making No. 5 overall pick available in hopes of tempting Bulls into Jimmy Butler trade

— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) June 13, 2016

There are rumors swirling that the Bulls are extremely intrigued by Providence point guard Kris Dunn, but there’s no chance that he’ll be available when the Bulls pick at No. 14. The trouble for the Timberwolves is that giving up the No. 5 pick won’t be enough to pry Butler from the Bulls. It’s going to require another piece, possibly Zach LaVine or Andrew Wiggins.

That would be a hefty price to pay for the Wolves, but with Thibodeau’s affinity for Butler, it’s not out of the question.