The drama in Minnesota continues to unfold.
Jimmy Butler has been granted permission to bypass attending the Minnesota Timberwolves media day on Monday as the franchise seeks a quick resolution to Butler’s reported trade demands, according to media reports.
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
There has been reported conflict between the Wolves’ front office and Wolves ownership on how to proceed with Butler’s request.
Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor has reportedly indicated to teams at Friday’s league Board of Governors’ meeting that Butler is available and interested teams should communicate with him directly. He reportedly wants to negotiate a deal within the “next several days,” according to a report from Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN:
Butler has likely worn the Timberwolves uniform for the final time, because Taylor has no interest in bringing Butler into the team’s training camp and threatening a bigger circus than already exists within the franchise.
Thibodeau has been willing to coach the Timberwolves through the dysfunction that has surrounded his star players, but Taylor has sided with Butler and agreed that the Wolves should part ways with the four-time All-Star, sources said.
Meanwhile, the front office, led by president of basketball operations and coach Tom Thibodeau, reportedly told teams the four-time All-Star is unavailable. Thibodeau is hoping to secure a second consecutive playoff berth for the franchise.
Butler requested a trade earlier this week, with his preferred destinations reportedly the LA Clippers, New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets. His list is in that order, per ESPN.
Wojnarowski reports Butler clashed with teammates Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins and has all intentions to leave in free agency in 2019 if not traded. Taylor, who was involved with trades surrounding Kevin Garnett and Kevin Love, plans to avoid that situation.
Amid the negotiations with Butler, the Timberwolves reportedly agreed to a five-year contract extension with Towns on Saturday night.
Butler averaged 22.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.9 assists in 59 games for the Timberwolves last season.
