Signing Karl-Anthony Towns to a five-year, $190-million super-max extension was seemingly the first domino to fall in Jimmy Butler's inevitable exit from the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The team is reportedly aligning their organizational focus to trading the 29-year-old All-Star swingman, league sources told The Athletic's Shams Charania and Jon Krawczynski.
Owner Glen Taylor has been in touch with president Tom Thibodeau and general manager Scott Layden, reportedly telling his front office that he wants them to move quickly on a trade, league sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
Rather than sit by and wait for calls to come in, Taylor reportedly wants Layden to reach out to teams and initiate trade discussions.
The Timberwolves had previously been informing executives and GM's that Butler wasn't on the chopping block after the four-time All-Star requested a trade following a meeting with Thibodeau earlier in the week. Taylor, however, contradicted his management on Friday by reportedly telling those at the Board of Governors meetings that Butler was free to be dealt.
Thibodeau reportedly isn't willing to send Butler away in exchange for rebuilding pieces and would prefer incoming veterans or talents of similar value and talent that would keep Minnesota competitive.
Butler reportedly favors joining the New York Knicks or Brooklyn Nets, but has the Los Angeles Clippers at the top of his list for potential landing spots.
Related: Ranking Butler's top 3 preferred destinations
Media day takes place on Sept. 24, with training camp commencing the following day. Butler has reportedly been excused from both as Minnesota works diligently towards achieving a resolution.
