The Minnesota Timberwolves intend to make a substantial investment in Jimmy Butler. The team told their superstar wing they'll offer him a maximum contract extension approaching $110 million over four years once they're able to do so on July 9, league sources told The New York Times' Marc Stein.
Butler is set to make $18.7 million in 2018-19 and holds a player option for 19.8 million for 2019-20. Assuming good health, Butler actually stands to make more money if he plays out next season, then declines his option; with the salary cap projected to rise alongside league revenues - and more than a handful of onerous contracts signed during the 2016 offseason set to come off the books - many teams are expected to have enough room to hand out maximum contracts next summer.
After six seasons with the Chicago Bulls - the first four under the watch of then-Bulls and current Timberwolves head coach Tom Thibodeau - Butler helped his new team return to the postseason for the first time since the 2003-04 season.
In a team-leading 36.7 minutes per game, Butler recorded 22.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and two steals. For his efforts, the 28-year-old was selected to the All-Star Game, his fourth appearance in as many seasons.
