Latest posts by Sam Amico (see all)
- Follow Amico’s Cavaliers and NBA coverage on SI.com - October 30, 2019
- Amico: Larry Bird called, and I almost wrecked - October 30, 2019
- Amico: McLeod offered friendship, support above all else - October 30, 2019
The Miami Heat have backed off trade talks centered on Minnesota Timberwolves swingman Jimmy Butler for the time being, according to a report from Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Winderman added that a source said Heat president Pat Riley did not angrily call Timberwolves president/coach Tom Thibodeau during trade talks, as previously reported.
“The Heat, according to a source familiar with the dealings, ‘are not trying to re-engage’ in the talks,” Winderman wrote. “The process, however, seemingly remains fluid in light of Butler’s recent behavior and comments.”
According to Jorge Sedano, speaking on ESPN Los Angeles radio, the Heat offered a package of Josh Richardson, Dion Waiters and a protected first-round draft pick in an offer for Butler. The sides reportedly came close to a deal before talks fell apart at the last minute. Sedano is a former studio host of Heat television broadcasts.
Butler created a stir by joining the Timberwolves for practice Wednesday, but did not travel with the team for the preseason finale at Milwaukee on Friday.
Thibodeau told reporters Butler instead stayed in Minneapolis for conditioning.
“The important thing is we have to do what we think is best for our team and we always will do that,” Thibodeau said. “We’re always going to put the team first.”
He later told reporters, “You guys, your job is the drama. Our job is to get ready to play. So I understand you have a job to do. We have a job to do. … We’re not going to get into daily behavior and stuff like that.”