Jimmy Butler is now a member of the Philadelphia 76ers after being traded by the Minnesota Timberwolves for forwards Dario Saric, Robert Covington, guard Jerryd Bayless, and a 2022 second-round pick Saturday. However, Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press reported the Washington Wizards were involved in trade talks with Minnesota for Butler just prior to the 76ers trade.
The deal most likely centered around forward Otto Porter, who has been a huge disappointment in his second year of a four-year max deal worth over $106 million, averaging 10.6 points and 4.7 rebounds on the season. Unfortunately, that was not who the Timberwolves wished for as they faced the realization that they had to move Butler and his temperamental attitude out of their locker room.
According to Adrian Wojnarkowski of ESPN, the Timberwolves wanted shooting guard Bradley Beal in which the Wizards rightfully refused.
Washington may be 3-9 on the season, but they understand the cornerstone of the franchise is built with Beal and point guard John Wall. With the organization not ready to throw in the towel just 12 games into the season, they’re looking to add to the dynamic backcourt it has, not split them up.
Butler would have been an ideal third scorer, and clutch player that Porter has failed to be, but Washington could not land their missing piece at the expense of losing a vital piece like Beal.
Adding Butler and losing Beal might have arguably left them in the same situation they currently stand, without a third dependable offensive weapon. And in today’s NBA of the super team era, that’s vital for contenders.
Yes, it’s a tough pillow to swallow reading the headlines that the Wizards had an opportunity to land Butler, but the details in the negotiations dictated the outcome. Unfortunately, their refusal led to the top-heavy Eastern Conference getting stronger and possibly leaving the Wizards behind in the process.
