MIAMI — Jimmy Butler knows that NBA players can force their way into trades.
Forcing their way into a trade that suits the player, that’s an entirely different story.
Butler has told the Minnesota Timberwolves that he has no intentions of re-signing with the club next summer, his way of saying “trade me now” or “lose me for nothing later.” The Athletic first reported Butler’s decision.
It’s a power move that players can make.
Thing is, it comes with risk — because what happens next is not up to Butler.
This was the lesson learned from the Kawhi Leonard situation, from the Kyrie Irving situation, from the Paul George situation.