After a predictable N.B.A. playoffs, with Golden State smashing everyone to smithereens en route to its second championship in three years, the first few days of the off-season have been full of intrigue for the rest of the league: With the Warriors raising the bar to a preposterous level, it was time to let the building — and the rebuilding — begin.

The maneuvering began in earnest on Thursday night at the N.B.A. draft. Right around the time that the Philadelphia 76ers opened the festivities at Barclays Center by selecting Markelle Fultz, as expected, with the top overall pick, the Minnesota Timberwolves were busy making the evening’s biggest splash by acquiring the All-Star swingman Jimmy Butler in a trade with the Chicago Bulls.

In exchange for Butler and the No. 16 pick in the draft, the Timberwolves sent guards Zach LaVine and Kris Dunn to the Bulls along with the No. 7 pick, which turned into the 7-foot Lauri Markkanen of Finland.

The deal reunites Butler with Timberwolves Coach Tom Thibodeau, who coached Butler for four seasons in Chicago. With the Bulls last season, Butler averaged 23.9 points and 6.2 rebounds a game and made his third All-Star appearance.