Jimmy Butler is still a member of the Minnesota Timberwolves, but he won’t be around for the activities that come with the start of team training camp.
The guard has requested a trade out of Minnesota, apparently citing irreconcilable differences between himself and the organization. Butler also has said he doesn’t’ see a future in Minnesota, and with his free agency looming after this season, it makes sense that the Timberwolves try to maximize a return for him.
But while the situation sorts itself out, the NBA calendar actually has some events on it, including Timberwolves team media day. But according to a report, Butler won’t be in front of the camera in a Timberwolves jersey pretending that everything is OK.
All-Star Jimmy Butler has been granted permission to not participate in Minnesota Timberwolves‘ media day on Monday, league sources tell me and @JonKrawczynski.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 22, 2018
Jon Krawczynski also reports Butler won’t be on the court once training camp finally gets underway.
The Timberwolves have also been made aware that Jimmy Butler will not be available for on-court activities at the outset of training camp, sources tell @TheAthleticMIN
— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) September 22, 2018
Just who exactly gave Butler permission to skip media day isn’t clear, and that’s not the worst decision in the world given the turmoil that the Timberwolves appear to be in these days. Butler’s trade request has fallen on deaf ears when it comes to team president and head coach Tom Thibodeau, who has no interest in moving the All-Star. But those who pay Thibs have pushed for a deal and have told teams that Butler is very much on the market. One report on Friday night said it’s merely a matter of time that Butler gets moved, so letting him skip a futile trip to Minnesota makes sense.
All that’s left is the destination, and whether Thibodeau will still be in charge in Minnesota when the deal actually gets done.
