The messy Timberwolves situation involving All-Star Jimmy Butler continues to escalate at a rapid pace, with the latest report suggesting that team president/coach Tom Thibodeau would rather quit than rebuild without Butler.
The news comes from Sean Deveney of Sporting News, who cites multiple league sources who say Thibodeau “has no intention of letting Butler go for young, rebuilding-type pieces.”
Thibodeau has zero interest in taking a step back with Minnesota, even, according to sources, if it means he ultimately parts ways with the team.
“No one expects Tom to coach a 25-win or even 35-win team,” one front-office executive told Sporting News. “Even if he has to agree to dissolve the contract, they’d do that before they go and trade Butler for draft picks.”
Butler’s trade request reportedly includes three teams that he’d be willing to sign extensions with: the Nets, Clippers or Knicks.
For the record, Deveney is the same guy who first reported that Butler doesn’t like Andrew Wiggins’ work-ethic and approach to playing defense, so this report has some weight behind it.
It’s been a very rocky 24 hours for the Wolves since news broke that Butler has requested a trade. For the latest drama, check out these BMTN stories.
– Wiggins’ brother reacts to Butler trade request: “Hallelujah”
– Wiggins fighting on Instagram with ex-NBA star, Butler
– Anonymous GM rips Jimmy Butler, says “he’s a problem”
