Jimmy Butler confirms and responds to the report
UPDATE: Word is, Butler played with the third-string bench players at practice today and finished beating the starters, which is why he went off on everyone. Following practice, he talked to Rachel Nichols about his actions against the team, saying he’s at his rawest when he’s competing and doing what he’s supposed to do: win. It’s kind of funny he was ready for that ESPN interview immediately following the blow-up with the team, right? Could it be staged? Imagine Jimmy forming a plot in the media where he looks like the passionate NBA player striving for championships and the rest of young core softer than tissue. He’s the hero.
We’re about a week away from the start of the NBA season and Jimmy Butler has not been traded from the Minnesota Timberwolves, even though he demanded to be moved elsewhere. So far, the Miami Heat and Houston Rockets have been the most interested in acquiring his services, though both sides have fallen short to what the T-Wolves want in return for their All-Star prize.
During preseason, Jimmy has been working at the Timberwolves facilities, but things came to a roaring screech today during practice today.
Apparently, Butler has had enough with his team and GM because he yelled and called folks like Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins out during practice, “challenging” them and even pointing his anger at coach Tom Thibodeau.
Jimmy Butler practiced with the Timberwolves today, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 10, 2018
All-Star Jimmy Butler participated in Minnesota's practice, a session that included him verbally challenging teammates, coaches and front office, league sources told ESPN. Butler was vociferous and emotional at times, targeting Thibodeau/Layden/Towns/Wiggins. Story soon on ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 10, 2018
At one point in a scrimmage, sources said, Butler turned to GM Scott Layden and screamed, "You (bleeping) need me. You can't win without me." Butler left teammates and coaches largely speechless. He dominated the gym in every way. Jimmy's back.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 10, 2018
One source close to the T-Wolves said this has been the worst practice he’s ever seen in his years in the NBA and it went beyond just having a bad day.
OS REWIND: Jimmy Butler Now Has A Preferred Trade Destination