The Wolves and Heat were on the verge of trading Jimmy Butler for Josh Richardson before the 2018-19 campaign tipped off.
But after a blazing start to the season, where the 25-year-old Richardson has averaged a career-high 20.5 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.4 assists, it seems the Heat could not bear to part with their blossoming two-way star, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Minnesota accomplished one of the goals it set for itself in trade talks: Sending Jimmy Butler to the Eastern Conference, not to a Western rival. A deal with Philadelphia made more sense for the Timberwolves once Miami pulled Josh Richardson out of talks.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 10, 2018
Richardson is on a team-friendly deal that pays him roughly $40 million over the next four seasons, while the 29-year old Butler is in-line for a massive extension this offseason with his new team, the Philadelphia 76ers.
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