Episode 22 of the Sports Betting Tips podcast, featuring veteran NBA journalist Chris Sheridan, is now available. In this week’s episode, Chris speaks with Steve Aschburner, the longtime Minnesota Timberwolves beat writer who has written for NBA.com since 2009.
Listen to the full conversation here:
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Jimmy Butler’s Future
Given Aschburner’s long history with the Timberwolves, this conversation centered on Jimmy Butler’s future. Rumors indicated Minnesota would trade Butler before the 2018-19 season commenced. Aschburner, however, is not surprised that the former Marquette standout is still on the Wolves’ roster.
“I just thought things were moving too fast,” he said. “Minnesota needed to get this thing done on their terms, at their pace.”
Butler’s conduct — how he has publicized his trade demand and disinterest in sticking with Minnesota — has not impressed Aschburner.
“I’ve been down on Jimmy Butler and his handling of this from the start,” Aschburner added.
One issue that will affect Tom Thibodeau and company as they seek to move Butler: he now has a reputation as a “prickly personality,” Aschburner said.
“This is the second team where he has had locker room issues,” he explained.
So, it seems inevitable the four-time All-Star will be leaving Minnesota sometime in the next year. Where will he go?
Aschburner thinks the Heat, Clippers, and Nuggets are the most sensible trade destinations. And he thinks it would make more sense for the Rockets to wait for his free agency next summer.
But, perhaps complicating a potential move to Houston: Butler would have to coexist with two other stars. Aschburner has heard Butler “wants to be the best player on whichever team employs him.”
Later in the podcast, Sheridan and Aschburner discussed The Athletic, the future of sports media, sports gambling, and more.
Listen to the full episode by hitting play above, and be sure to subscribe to Get More Sports’ podcast Sports Betting Tips with Chris Sheridan on your platform of choice.
