Jimmy Butler of the Minnesota Timberwolves could become a free agent next summer. The forward, who was not always satisfied with the Wolves last season, is said to be open to playing alongside LeBron James at the Los Angeles Lakers in a year’s time.
This was reported by Eric Pincus from the Bleacher Report. According to his sources, Butler should not rule out the option of playing at the Lakers from 2019/20.
The 28-year-old came via Trade from the Chicago Bulls to Minnesota before last season and helped the Timberwolves reach the playoffs for the first time since 2004. In the first round, however, after five games against Houston Rockets was the final destination.
Butler still earns $18.7 million in the coming season and also has a player option for the following season of $19.8 million. The Wolves would like to extend the contract with the forward, but it is unlikely that Butler will agree, as he can earn significantly more money as a free agent.
There are rumours that Butler has already refused an early extension (4 years, 100 million). In the summer of 2019, Jimmy Buckets in Minnesota could extend for five years and 190 million, while the Lakers and any other team could offer a maximum of four years and 140 million.
Recently, however, there have been reports of disagreements between Butler and the Wolves’ young stars, Karl Towns and Andrew Wiggins. Thus, a trade until the deadline cannot be ruled out if the Wolves start the season disappointingly. There were also rumours that Butler would like to play with his buddy Kyrie Irving from 2019, who can also become a free agent in 2019.