Butler to link up with Wiggins and Towns as Timberwolves acquire the guard from Bulls in blockbuster trade

The Minnesota Timberwolves acquired Jimmy Butler in a blockbuster trade with the Bulls that will send a package of young players to Chicago, the teams announced.

The package in return for Butler includes guards Zach LaVine, Kris Dunn and the rights to number seven overall draft pick Lauri Markkanen.

Along with Butler, Minnesota received center prospect Justin Patton, who the Bulls selected 16th overall.

But Butler was the crown jewel on Thursday.

A three-time NBA All-Star, the 27-year-old guard averaged 23.9 points per game last season.

He had been linked with a number of teams leading up to the draft.

The Timberwolves already have Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns on their roster – two of the best young scorers in the NBA.

With Butler now added to the mix, they will have a veteran star to help them become playoff contenders.

The Bulls are seemingly in full rebuild mode and the addition of LaVine and Dunn could spell the end of Rajon Rondo’s tumultuous career in Chicago.