Report: Timberwolves prefer Adebayo, Richardson, pick from Heat for Butler
The Minnesota Timberwolves want specific assets from the Miami Heat when it comes to negotiating a trade for Jimmy Butler.
Should a deal be struck, Minnesota would reportedly prefer if the deal included Bam Adebayo, Josh Richardson, and a 2019 first-round draft pick, league sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
That doesn't necessarily mean those are the only names that would be switching sides, though. A finalized trade could reportedly contain more players, as the Timberwolves still want to rid themselves of the $48 million remaining on center Gorgui Dieng's contract.
Adebayo was selected 14th overall by the Heat in the 2017 draft and went on to average 6.9 points and 5.5 rebounds on 51.2 percent shooting from the field his rookie year. Richardson, meanwhile, is coming off his third season with the organization. He contributed career highs in points (12.9), rebounds (3.5), assists (2.9), and steals (1.5) in 81 appearances as a starter.
Miami was reportedly pushing Minnesota to accept a revised offer on Wednesday, but no deal was imminent. This followed a report from the New York Times' Marc Stein which noted how the Timberwolves proposed changes to the layout of a trade which was on the table, but talks broke down shortly thereafter.
Related - Report: Butler doesn't plan to miss regular season games if not traded
Minnesota returns to the Target Center on Friday for a preseason tilt against the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder following two games on the west coast. Team president and head coach Tom Thibodeau is reportedly expected to get Butler to return to practice as soon as possible to get him ready for the start of the 2018-19 regular season.