Minnesota Timberwolves fans have a lot of beef with Jimmy Butler, who says he’s over his time with the team that traded him to the Philadelphia 76ers earlier in the 2018-19 season. But that doesn’t mean Timberwolves fans have forgotten, and they had their say in the matter on Saturday.
The Sixers visited Minnesota on Saturday night for the first time since the trade, which was sparked after Butler requested a move in the offseason, then started the year with the team en route to what became a disastrous campaign. Butler did not endear himself to the home fans on his way out the door and, though it was a long time ago in the sense that a whole lot has occurred between his trade and his return to his former home.
That didn’t matter to Timberwolves fans, or the gameday presentation staff that introduced the Sixers on Saturday night. The team entered to the tune of “You’re So Vain” by Carly Simon, and the announcer certainly didn’t hesitate to linger on Butler when he was announced to the crowd.
Jimmy Butler was soundly booed when introduced in Minnesota. Some of Sixers teammates even mockingly joined in on the boos. pic.twitter.com/Pmvto1Nvpz
— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) March 31, 2019
As noted by a number of people, some Sixers teammates joined in and appeared to boo their teammate as well.
Jimmy Butler’s welcome back to Target Center. pic.twitter.com/6gcIlHVGg6
— Kyle Ratke (@Kyle_Ratke) March 31, 2019
To refresh everyone involved, Butler said he is not worried about what Timberwolves fans think of him.
Jimmy Butler: “I don’t care about being loved all the time, it’s no fun that way. I think people will pay way more attention whenever they dislike you or hate you… I welcome it. I embrace it. Let’s see what you can point out tonight.” pic.twitter.com/UuiCrPRPw5
— Dane Moore (@DaneMooreNBA) March 30, 2019
Later in the game, even when Butler appeared to be hurt, the crowd didn’t let up.
Jimmy Butler is kneeling down clutching the right side of his lower back. The crowd boos him as he walks off to the court and onto the bench. They have also booed him every time he has touched the ball thus far.
— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) March 31, 2019
No love lost, indeed.
