The good news for Minnesota is that Jimmy Butler attended a team practice on Wednesday. The bad news is he reportedly was acting out.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Wednesday that Butler practiced with the Timberwolves — the first time that has happened since training camp opened. However, Woj reports that Butler was verbally challenging teammates, coaches and the front office.
All-Star Jimmy Butler participated in Minnesota's practice, a session that included him verbally challenging teammates, coaches and front office, league sources told ESPN. Butler was vociferous and emotional at times, targeting Thibodeau/Layden/Towns/Wiggins. Story soon on ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 10, 2018
At one point in a scrimmage, sources said, Butler turned to GM Scott Layden and screamed, "You (bleeping) need me. You can't win without me." Butler left teammates and coaches largely speechless. He dominated the gym in every way. Jimmy's back.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 10, 2018
A quote from Anthony Tolliver about Butler’s presence at practice says all you need to know about the matter.
Anthony Tolliver on Butler practicing: "He was … around. That's really all I gotta say about that."
— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) October 10, 2018
Another staffer shared how bad it was:
I spoke with a Wolves staffer who said about today's practice: "It was bad. Guys come in angry, having bad days all the time. This was as bad as I've ever seen a practice in my years in the NBA."
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) October 10, 2018
Butler has demanded a trade from Minnesota, but head coach/team president Tom Thibodeau reportedly is trying to make the situation work. Butler may rejoin the team, but it does not sound like he is interested in making things work. The good news for his sake is that the Miami Heat reportedly are still trying to trade for him.
This is the exact type of story and headline owner Glen Taylor was trying to avoid when telling his front office to trade Butler.
