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All-Star guard Jimmy Butler has turned down a contract extension offer from the Minnesota Timberwolves, according to Darren Wolfson of Minneapolis TV station KSTP. The Wolves offered Butler $110 million over four years.
#Twolves All-Star Jimmy Butler has officially turned down the Wolves' 4-year, $110M range extension offer, per owner Glen Taylor. Full interview posting soon, which includes stuff on KAT extension talks, Thibs, filling out the roster, and #LosLynx.
— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) July 13, 2018
(con.) Jimmy/his side expressed gratitude for the #Twolves extending such a nice offer. Logically speaking, it just makes sense to wait, even while betting on maintaining health. He can make a lot more $$ here or elsewhere next July.
— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) July 13, 2018
Exact $$ Jimmy can make a year from now. Over $100M is a ridiculous amount, but he can make a ton more as long as he avoids a catastrophic injury. #Twolves https://t.co/6OAsJzopJ6
— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) July 13, 2018
Though unusual, Butler’s decision was not unexpected. Chicago-Sun Times reporter Joe Cowley has suggested that the guard is on the outs with teammates Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins and would prefer to join forces with Boston Celtics guard Kyrie Irving.
Butler averaged 22.2 points, 4.9 assists, and 5.3 rebounds for the Timberwolves last season. The final year of his current contract will pay him $20.4 million.