Heat in holding pattern with Butler talks ‘fluid’

WASHINGTON — It has reached the point of deadpan when it comes to the Minnesota Timberwolves’ attempts to trade disgruntled forward Jimmy Butler, with the Miami Heat among the interested suitors.

Asked at his Friday media session in Minneapolis about how he felt about the ongoing discussions, Timberwolves coach Tom Thibodeau, without missing a beat, replied, “They’re ongoing.”

He then literally exited stage left.

But that was not before further commenting on Butler’s ongoing absence in the wake of requesting a trade a week before the start of training camp.

“It’s all fluid. We’ll take it day by day,” said Thibodeau, whose contract grants him final say on personnel decisions.

The Timberwolves have been linked to a request for the Heat’s Josh Richardson, Bam Adebayo and a conditional 2019 first-round NBA draft pick, according to ESPN.

While the Heat have declined comment on the discussions, Thibodeau was candid Friday about where the situation stands.

“We’re trying to do what’s best for the team,” he said, with Butler eligible to become a free agent in July. “So we’re focused on the guys that are here. I think that’s the important part.

“And, obviously, we’re trying to get something done and we’ll approach it as it comes.”

The subject of Butler returning to play for the Timberwolves was broached with the players Friday.

“Jimmy’s my guy. So, he’s a professional. I know he’s going to come in, work hard,” veteran guard Jeff Teague told the Star Tribune. “You all know that. He’s a team guy. He gives it all. I think he’d be accepted, but I guess we’ll see.”