Over the last three weeks, the Miami Heat have worked hard to get a deal done to bring disgruntled All-Star Jimmy Butler to South Florida. At times, a trade seemed imminent. Now though, with the 2018-19 regular season just days away, it appears clear that any deal to bring Butler to Miami is now off the table.
That fact was reported on Sunday afternoon after Butler participated in yet another Wolves practice.
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Minnesota's Jimmy Butler practiced again Sunday and is expected to play in season opener in San Antonio on Wednesday. Heat/Timberwolves talks have been dead, for now, league sources said.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 14, 2018
It’s unfortunate that the Heat were not able to get a deal done, but it was not for lack of trying. It seems likely that despite Butler’s trade request, Wolves head coach Tom Thibodeau had no desire to trade his star player in a season that will likely make or break his career in Minnesota.
As for the Heat, there is a chance that they will re-approach the deal depending on how Butler performs in Minnesota and how his relationship with the Timberwolves changes as the season gets underway.
With no true star player on the roster, the Heat will once again hope that the whole of their roster is greater than the sum of its parts as they look to build upon their 2017-18 campaign and earn a playoff berth in a weakened Eastern Conference.
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