7 Basketball Players who Played for Timberwolves and Heat
There is a good chance that if you’ve found this page then you’re playing the Immaculate Grid.
That also means that today’s grid has asked for players that have played for both the Minnesota Timberwolves and Miami Heat.
And, it also means that you’re probably stuck on this particular box and you’re looking for a little help. Sound about right so far?
Well, good news, you’re in the right place.
I’ve done some research and have found players who played for both the Timberwolves and the Heat.
Jimmy Butler
Jimmy Butler started his career with the Chicago Bulls in 2011, after being drafted 30th overall from Marquette University. He spent six seasons with the Bulls, becoming a three-time All-Star and a three-time All-Defensive Team member. He also won the Most Improved Player award in 20151.
He then played for the Minnesota Timberwolves for one full season with a brief stop in Philadelphia, before joining the Heat in 2019. He led the Heat to the NBA Finals in 2020 & 2023, but they weren’t able to secure a championship either trip.
Over the course of his career to date, he has averaged 18.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game in the regular season, and 21.3 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game in the playoffs.
*Butler was the most popular pick for this square in a previous grid (Grid 51)
Butler Key Stats
- All NBA (Bulls, Timberwolves, Heat)
- All-Star (Bulls, Timberwolves, Heat)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Bulls, Timberwolves, Heat)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Bulls, Heat)
Kevin Love
Kevin Love was drafted 5th overall by the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2008 NBA Draft but was promptly traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he established himself as one of the league’s most dominant power forwards.
During his tenure with the Timberwolves, Love was a three-time All-Star and won the NBA’s Most Improved Player award in 2011. He led the league in rebounding in the 2010-2011 season and was also the first player since Moses Malone in 1982 to average at least 30 points and 20 rebounds in a month, which he did in March 2014.
In the summer of 2014, Love was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he teamed up with LeBron James and Kyrie Irving to form a new “big three.” In Cleveland, Love transitioned to a more perimeter-oriented role and helped the team win its first NBA Championship in 2016.
Love Key Stats
- All-NBA (Timberwolves)
- All-Star (Timberwolves, Cavs)
- NBA Champ (Cavs)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Timberwolves)
- 10+ Rebounds/Game Season (Timberwolves, Cavs)
Mike Miller
Mike Miller was a player known for his shooting ability, particularly beyond the arc. He was selected as the 5th overall pick in the 2000 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic, and his standout performances during his rookie season earned him the NBA Rookie of the Year Award.
In 2003, he joined the Memphis Grizzlies, where he was named the NBA Sixth Man of the Year for the 2005-2006 season. Miller’s career then took him to the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Washington Wizards, but it was his tenure with the Miami Heat that brought him significant recognition.
Joining the Heat in 2010, Miller played a key role in the team’s back-to-back NBA Championships in 2012 and 2013. He made a significant contribution in Game 5 of the 2012 NBA Finals, when he made 7 of 8 three-point attempts, helping the Heat secure the championship.
Antoine Walker
Antoine Walker was selected with the 6th pick in the 1996 NBA draft by the Celtics. Walker spent seven seasons with the team, during which he made three All-Star appearances.
He was a versatile and dynamic power forward, averaging over 20 points per game in five of his seasons with the Celtics. His ability to stretch the floor was ahead of its time in an era when most power forwards primarily played inside.
Walker was traded to the Dallas Mavericks in 2003 and subsequently played for the Atlanta Hawks, Miami Heat, and Minnesota Timberwolves. One of Walker’s career highlights was winning an NBA Championship with the Miami Heat in 2006.
Walker Key Stats
- All-Star (Celtics)
- NBA Championship (Heat)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Celtics)
- 10+ Rebounds/Game Season (Celtics)
Christian Laettner
Christian Laettner led the Blue Devils to two NCAA Championships in 1991 and 1992, and he is still widely remembered for “The Shot”, his game-winning turnaround jumper in the 1992 East Regional final against Kentucky. This moment is one of the most iconic in college basketball history.
Laettner was also the only college player selected for the original “Dream Team” at the 1992 Summer Olympics, which won the gold medal.
In the NBA, Laettner played 13 seasons in the league with several teams, including the Timberwolves, Hawks, Pistons, Mavericks, and Wizards. His most successful NBA season came in 1996-1997 with the Hawks when he averaged 18.1 points and 8.8 rebounds per game, earning him his sole NBA All-Star selection.
Luol Deng
Luol Deng was born in South Sudan and raised in the UK. Deng’s basketball journey began internationally before he moved to the U.S. to play high school basketball. He played one season of college basketball at Duke University before declaring for the NBA.
Deng was selected 7th overall by the Phoenix Suns in the 2004 NBA Draft but was immediately traded to the Chicago Bulls. In Chicago, he became a cornerstone of the team’s success, earning two All-Star selections and establishing himself as one of the league’s premier defenders.
After a decade with the Bulls, Deng had stints with several teams, including the Heat, Lakers, and Timberwolves. Beyond his on-court contributions, Deng was highly regarded for his humanitarian efforts, especially concerning refugees and communities affected by conflict.
Deng Key Stats
- All-Star (Bulls)
Mike James
Mike James began his NBA career undrafted, but he managed to break into the league in 2001 with the Miami Heat. From there, he embarked on a journey that saw him play for numerous teams, including the Celtics, Pistons, Bucks, Rockets, Raptors, Timberwolves, New Orleans Hornets, Wizards, and Bulls.
Perhaps the highlight of his NBA tenure came during the 2005-2006 season with the Toronto Raptors, where he averaged a career-high in points and showcased his ability to lead a team as a primary guard. His NBA journey was marked by his adaptability, allowing him to fit into various roles, from starting point guard to a bench contributor.
In addition to his NBA career, James had spells in international basketball, playing in France, Turkey, and Italy, which further underscored his dedication and adaptability to different styles of play and cultures.
James Key Stats
- NBA Championship (Pistons)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Raptors)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Raptors)
