It appears that Wolves star Jimmy Butler, likely to coach Tom Thibodeau’s chagrin, is as good as gone in Minnesota.
The latest in the never-ending drama involving the four-time All-Star is that he’s been granted permission to skip Monday’s media day, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
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
What’s more is that Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic reports the Wolves have been informed that Butler won’t take part in any on-court activities when training camp begins next week.
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
On Friday, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowksi said Butler wants the Wolves to trade him before Monday’s media day, with his eyes on landing with the Clippers, Knicks or Nets. Wojnarowski also says Wolves owner Glen Taylor has informed other owners to contact him if their trade inquiries are stonewalled by general manager Scott Layden or president of basketball operations and head coach Tom Thibodeau.
“The owner’s trading him,” one Board of Governors attendee told ESPN on Friday. “That was made clear. It’s just a matter of when.” https://t.co/MMrB4gVX8P
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 21, 2018
Thibodeau reportedly wants nothing to do with trading Butler while Taylor would prefer to deal him rather than be the laughing stock of the NBA with Butler’s perceived strained relationships with Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns.
