Jimmy Butler may not want to join the Lakers now because LeBron James joined the team in free agency.
According to ESPN, Butler wants to be the focus of a team in a big market and with James' addition to the Lakers' roster, the idea of joining the Los Angeles became "less appealing" to the current Timberwolves forward.
"Butler had once imagined playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, but LeBron James' arrival as the franchise's cornerstone made it less appealing for Butler in the prime of his career, league sources said."
News broke Wednesday saying Butler asked to be traded by the Timberwolves. He listed the Nets, Knicks and Clippers as possible destinations.
Minnesota coach Tom Thibodeau reportedly does not want to trade him though, so the situation is still in flux.
If Butler isn't traded by the Timberwolves he can sign a five-year, $190 million max contract this coming offseason.
If he signs with any other team, he can agree to a four-year deal for $141 million.
