Heat Rumors

Jimmy Butler trade talks between Miami and Minnesota have fallen apart again, and an unidentified Heat official tells Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald that the Timberwolves are asking way too much in return.

The source says the Wolves have unreasonable expectations and joked that they want “the first born of all our kids.” He added that a deal could still be completed if Minnesota eases up on some of its demands.

Jackson hears that the Wolves are seeking several of Miami’s most valuable assets, a list that includes Josh Richardson, Bam Adebayo, Goran Dragic, Kelly Olynyk, Justise Winslow and the Heat’s No. 1 pick for 2019. Miami refused to make Richardson available at first, but has changed its mind, a source tells Jackson.

The Heat would like to find takers for Dion Waiters, Hassan Whiteside and Tyler Johnson, but Waiters’ injury history and the huge contracts for Whiteside and Johnson make them difficult to move. The Timberwolves apparently don’t have any interest in those players, but may be willing to take on some salary for the chance to unload backup center Gorgui Dieng, who is owed more than $48MM over the next three seasons.

The Heat have offered Dragic to Minnesota, according to Brian Windhorst of ESPN. Adrian Wojnarowski, his ESPN colleague, has said Minnesota is willing to accept some protections on Miami’s 2019 first-rounder.

The Heat have been the most aggressive team in trying to acquire Butler since he issued a trade request last month. They are also reportedly Butler’s preferred destination, although the list he gave to Wolves management included the Knicks, Nets and Clippers.

Jackson also relays a tweet from ESPN’s Stefano Fusaro, who claims Butler’s level of frustration with Minnesota’s front office has reached “an all-time high.” Many teams who were once interested in Butler have become skeptical that the Wolves really want to get a deal done.

9:12pm: After several days of talks, the Heat asked the Wolves for a response to their latest trade offer today, tweets ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Minnesota has been dealing primarily with Miami and has had only a few “sparse” conversations with other teams, Woj adds.

Thibodeau is hoping Butler will rejoin the team for the start of the regular season if he hasn’t been traded. Butler hasn’t decided when he might return to the Wolves, but won’t miss regular season games if his wrist has healed enough to let him play (Twitter link).

7:40pm: The Heat made “significant progress” toward a deal involving Jimmy Butler this week before the Timberwolves proposed changes and talks broke down, tweets Marc Stein of The New York Times. The teams have been discussing a deal with an unidentified third club involved (Twitter link).

Miami is believed to be Butler’s preferred destination, which might help Minnesota get a better offer. The Heat are more likely than other teams to part with a significant trade package, knowing their chances are good to re-sign Butler if he opts out of his contract next summer.

Miami has reportedly been aggressively trying to acquire Butler since he issued a trade request to Wolves management last month. However, the Heat have been reluctant to part with Josh Richardson or Bam Adebayo and would prefer a deal focused around Justise Winslow, Goran Dragic or Hassan Whiteside.

The Rockets, Bucks and Clippers all remain contenders, but Minnesota has found the offers to be limited, according to Darren Wolfson of ESPN Radio 1500. Houston would part with Eric Gordon or P.J. Tucker; Milwaukee is offering Malcolm Brogdon and Eric Bledsoe, but not Khris Middleton; and Wolfson said L.A. remains “very, very interested.”

Butler has been absent from training camp as he waits for trade negotiations to be worked out. Wolves coach/executive Tom Thibodeau and GM Scott Layden reportedly resisted the idea of dealing Butler at first, but owner Glen Taylor wants it done as soon as possible. Minnesota’s regular season opener is two weeks from tonight.