By WFAN.com
Jimmy Butler was a hot topic during Thursday's Knicks preseason news conference, even though his name never actually came up.
The Minnesota Timberwolves' All-Star swingman has reportedly asked for a trade, and the Knicks are among the three teams on his list of preferred landing spots.
Of course, NBA tampering rules prevent Knicks officials from discussing any interest they may have in Butler, which is why reporters did not ask specifically about him Thursday -- although everyone in the room knew exactly who they were talking about.
Team president Steve Mills indicated he won't stray from his rebuilding plan by dealing assets to acquire a player who will likely hit free agency next summer.
MORE: Schmeelk: Jimmy Butler Trade Demands Big Test For Knicks' Front Office
"Our process and our view of where this season is going and where this team is going and how we're going to build this team hasn't changed since we talked about it a year ago, hasn't changed since I talked about it two days ago," Mills said. "We're committed to not missing any steps. We'll take this as a step-by-step process. We're focused on the guys that we have on our roster right now. How can we build them? How can we develop them? And we're just going to continue on with our plan."
New head coach David Fizdale said he's completely on board with the slower approach to building a winner.
"We don't want to jump at the shiny things," he said. "We want to make solid decisions and be patient with this process."
The Los Angeles Clippers and Brooklyn Nets are the other teams reportedly on Butler's wish list.
The 29-year-old four-time All-Star averaged 22.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.9 assists in his first season with Minnesota in 2017-18. He spent his first six seasons with the Chicago Bulls.
KRISTAPS UPDATE
Mills said Kristaps Porzingis' rehab is going well, but he did not offer a timeline for the power forward's return.
"We'll continue his rehab process and all towards the direction when he feels a hundred percent comfortable and we feel a hundred percent comfortable and we're not taking any risks with him, and then he'll be ready to come back," Mills said.
MORE: Schmeelk: Takeaways From The Knicks Town Hall
Porzingis tore the ACL is his left knee in a February game against the Milwaukee Bucks. In April, owner James Dolan suggested that the Knicks star, who has been rehabbing in Spain, could miss all of the upcoming season.
Porzingis, 23, is set to become a restricted free agent after the season. General manager Scott Perry said the Knicks and Porzingis' agents were in touch throughout the summer about his contract situation.
"We're in a good place with them," Perry said. "They know that he's an extremely important part to what we're building here and planning here. He's a star player here in New York, and the plan is to keep him here long-term."
NOAH NEWS
Mills said the Knicks have also been in "constant communication" with center Joakim Noah's agents. The team is reportedly looking to part ways with Noah before training camp opens next week, either through a trade or buyout.
"The hope is that we can come to a resolution that is both advantageous for both Joakim and the Knicks," Perry said. "So that's where it sits right now."
Noah still has two years and $37.8 million remaining on his contract, though by using the waive-and-stretch provision, the Knicks can spread his remaining pay across a three-year span.
Noah’s relationship with the Knicks soured after a heated altercation in January between him and then-coach Jeff Hornacek. Noah was sent home and has not played for the team since.
Former Knicks president Phil Jackson signed Noah to a four-year, $72 million contract in July 2016.