Jimmy Butler has made it clear that he wants the Minnesota Timberwolves to trade him as soon as possible, but that does not mean he is going to give anything less than 100 percent effort if he remains with the team through the start of the regular season.
Shams Charania of The Athletic reports that Butler called a players-only meeting on Thursday to express his feelings about his current situation to his teammates. Part of his message to them was that he will continue to compete with them if he’s still with the team next week.
Timberwolves All-Star Jimmy Butler called a players-only meeting today, airing his feelings toward situation and management, per league sources. Butler expressed to players he would compete with them, as signs pointing to him staying with the franchise into the regular season.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 11, 2018
Sources on @TheAthleticNBA @WatchStadium: Several players spoke up in players-only meeting, but Butler led it, made known his issues with management. His message was similar to one he displayed Wednesday: I run this. He's far too competitive to sit real games. https://t.co/Cwo8OCFY8m
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 11, 2018
Butler lashed out at teammates, coaches and Minnesota’s front office when he returned to practice on Wednesday, though he later claimed he did all that out of passion and for love of the game. He even said he thought head coach Tom Thibodeau loved the way he acted, as Butler challenged Timberwolves players and brought high energy.
While some of his actions may seem like he is trying to be a team leader, Butler still wants out of Minnesota. It sounds like he still has a chance to land in his most preferred destination, but it’s entirely possible that it could be weeks or months before a trade is worked out.
