Timberwolves
Not everyone loved the Timberwolves trade for LaMelo Ball, but the T-Wolves certainly did.
According to Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic, members of the organization were celebrating after completing Thursday’s deal with the Hornets.
Anthony Edwards has long admired Ball’s game, Krawczynski reported, and Minnesota entered the offseason determined to find another playmaker after Edwards routinely faced double teams in the second round of the playoffs against San Antonio.
Team officials believe Ball’s size, passing ability and perimeter shooting make him an ideal complement alongside Edwards, Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert.
“He makes Ant better, Jaden better, Rudy and Joan Beringer better,” one team source told The Athletic. “How many other players in the league would make your three best players better without getting in their way?”
The Wolves are also confident Ball will thrive within the organization’s culture, despite past questions surrounding his maturity.
Beyond that, Minnesota likes the long-term outlook of its roster. Gobert and Donte DiVincenzo are the only players older than 26, while Ball, Edwards and McDaniels are all under contract for at least the next three seasons.
“Our roster is stacked for the next three years,” one team source said. “And probably longer.”
Warriors
Jimmy Butler says his recovery from last season’s torn right ACL continues to move in the right direction.
Speaking Thursday during a Warriors event, Butler told reporters he’s about six weeks away from beginning to run.
“I’m making some incredible progress,” Butler said, via Nick Friedell of The Athletic. “I’m very happy with the process.”
Butler even joked that he believes he could still dunk if he jumped off his left leg, though landing remains the issue.
The veteran forward also praised the Warriors organization, making it clear he hopes to remain in Golden State beyond his current contract.
“It’s not good, it’s great,” Butler said. “Legitimately, it’s the best.”
Butler becomes eligible for a contract extension in February.
Hawks
The Hawks and Buddy Hield have agreed to push back the guarantee date on the veteran guard’s $9.66 million salary for next season, according to Chris Haynes.
Brad Rowland of Locked On Hawks reports the new deadline is June 28, giving Atlanta through the weekend to determine Hield’s future.
Hield saw limited action after arriving from Golden State, and Atlanta has since added Aaron Wiggins while selecting Kingston Flemings with the eighth overall pick in this week’s draft.
Even so, Hield could still have value either as a veteran floor spacer or as an expiring contract in a future trade.
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