Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big story line. Because there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
The Minnesota Timberwolves are prepared to part with the No. 5 overall pick in this month’s draft, as the centerpiece of a trade package, if they can use it to construct a deal for Chicago Bulls star swingman Jimmy Butler, according to league sources.
Sources told ESPN.com that the Wolves, in these early days of the Tom Thibodeau era, have made it known to the Bulls that they are strongly interested in dealing for Butler should Chicago elect to make him available.
The Bulls are not believed to be actively looking to move their All-Star swingman but have been listening to pitches for Butler, sources said. Butler initially rose to prominence as a two-way force playing for Thibodeau, the Wolves’ new coach and president.
Sources say that the Bulls naturally would demand a significant amount in return to part with Butler, which likely translates to at least one front-line player in addition to a top lottery pick this month.
The Boston Celtics, who hold the No. 3 overall pick, are also known to have trade interest in Butler, while sources say that the Bulls are highly intrigued by Providence guard Kris Dunn, who is projected to be selected in the 3-to-5 range in the June 23 draft.
The Celtics may have the edge over Minnesota in draft picks, but can they offer the front line player that Chicago wants?
It’s been speculated the Wolves could offer a combination of Zack LaVine, Gorgui Deng and Shabazz Muhammed, along with the 5th pick.
What’s a viable counter offer from Boston? Some combination of Marcus Smart, Avery Bradley and Kelly Olynyk? You know Danny Ainge is going to try like hell to keep Jae Crowder in Boston. Whatever Boston lacks in the front-line player department can be made up for with draft picks.
While I’m all for the Celtics pursuing Butler, I’m starting to wonder why Chicago would be willing to give up on a talented, young, two-way player.
On Page 2, the Cavs stay alive but Love is still lost.
If the Cavs had lost this game, the hot-take machine would be overloaded because of Kevin Love. Cleveland coach Tyronn Lue elected to put him back in the starting lineup, and he was almost invisible for 33 minutes. You would think that, with Green next door at the Oakland Alameda Coliseum, there would be more opportunities for Love. Instead, he took just five shots and finished with two points in 33 minutes, with more fouls (4) than rebounds (3).
Some of this is simple: James and Irving were cooking, so they took the vast majority of the shots. It was alarming, though, that Love had such little impact in an elimination game. This will certainly not quiet all the noise about his fit and future with the Cavaliers.
I remain dumbfounded that a player as skilled as Kevin Love looks dazed and confused in the Cavs scheme.
Win or lose, he’s gone.
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The rest of the links
Herald – Celtics all over the map for draft preparation | Globe – Celtics work out Hield, Chriss
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