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New York Knicks: The Jimmy Butler meeting at least raises some intrigue

By Rob Wolkenbrod

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 11: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on during the third quarter of the game against the Denver Nuggets on April 11, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Nuggets 112-106. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 11: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on during the third quarter of the game against the Denver Nuggets on April 11, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Nuggets 112-106. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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If Jimmy Butler wants off the Minnesota Timberwolves, should the New York Knicks swoop in?

The 2018-19 NBA season remains one month away, and the focus has already shifted towards 2019. Kyrie Irving already sits as a top target for the New York Knicks in July’s free agency, but he will hardly be the only big name on the open market.

Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson and Kawhi Leonard are the among the other players set to hit free agency, any of whom can fit into New York’s salary cap, with an expected $30 million-plus available.

Then there’s Jimmy Butler, who has one year left on his contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Business Insider already reported the Knicks as a potential landing spot for him next summer, but the latest news might gradually stir the pot more.

According to Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic, Butler will meet with Timberwolves executives Tom Thibodeau and Scott Layden on Monday to “have honest conversations” about his future with the organization.

For this to occur weeks before training camp, it puts Minnesota into an interesting spot. Of course it does not mean a trade will happen, but if Butler does not intend to stay past the 2018-19 season, could a preseason transaction be next?

The Knicks have the aforementioned cap space to spend in 2019 and add to the group that’s in place, or whoever remains since there are only eight contracts on the 2019-20 payroll.

Waiting might be for the best, rather than unloading assets now, as New York’s 2018-19 roster does not have a “win-now” look or one that resembles a bonafide playoff team. As well as the unknown status of Kristaps Porzingis’ knee, it potentially lines up as a lost season.

The option to avoid the wait and target Butler now is possible, with future first-round picks and young players on the roster, including Frank Ntilikina and Kevin Knox. Both are gambles for the team to surrender, especially to acquire a player that’s not committed past 2019, pending he declines a player option.

Early pros and cons of a Kyrie Irving pursuit. dark. Next

However, before a Butler-to-the-Knicks reality can come true, a smoothing of the relationship between the All-Star and the Timberwolves is as possible as a trade request. Nothing is for sure, but it’s an interesting storyline to precede the start of the season.

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