Jimmy Butler Has Been Traded to Minnesota

The Minnesota Timberwolves have pulled off a trade for Jimmy Butler.

Mike DiNovo
USA Today Sports

Image via USA Today Sports

Mike DiNovo

The NBA Draft is in full swing. So far, the top picks have gone as expected.

One major transaction, however, shocked NBA fans: Chicago traded star wingman Jimmy Butler to the Minnesota Timberwolves. It was the first #WojBomb of the night.

#Twolves acquire three-time NBA All-Star and 2016-17 All-NBA Third Team selection Jimmy Butler in trade with Chicago Bulls. Release: pic.twitter.com/iCciKfFrEz

It makes a lot of sense—Butler returned to his former head coach in Chicago, Tom Thibodeau, who is Minnesota’s head coach and president of basketball operations.

Last time Jimmy Butler played for Tom Thibodeau (2014-15)
- won Most Improved Player
- Made 1st All-Star team
- 2nd-team All Defense

The full deal: Jimmy Butler and the No. 16 pick went to Minnesota, and Zach LaVine, Kris Dunn, and the No. 7 pick went to Chicago.

Many were critical of the Timberwolves, claiming they did not get enough in return for Butler.

The Bulls did not get enough for Jimmy Butler, who is better than Paul George - mentally/physically tougher, far more clutch.
The T'Wolves just got Jimmy Butler for Lavigne & Dunn and only had to move down 9 spots in the draft. That's amazing.

Butler, 27, has made three NBA All-Star Teams and was the league’s Most Improved Player in 2015. He made the All-NBA Third Team this season.

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