Timberwolves coach Tom Thibodeau shot down reports regarding chemistry issues and Jimmy Butler‘s desire to leave after next season during an appearance at the Minnesota State Fair, Jerry Zgoda of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. Butler was supposedly unhappy with his younger teammates and looking to pair up with Kyrie Irving when he can enter free agency next summer. Thibodeau said Butler has not voiced any displeasure about his teammates to him.
“I’ve been around a long time, I don’t buy into any of that stuff,” Thibodeau said. “You have to distinguish what’s real and what’s not real. You never heard any of that come from Jimmy’s mouth. It’s always a source close to Jimmy. If Jimmy has something to say to someone, he usually says it directly.”
Thibodeau also said he anticipated that Butler would turn down the team’s extension offer because he could make more in free agency but the franchise is still optimistic on re-signing him.
“We know the position we’re in. We have a lot to offer him. We think this is the best place for him and it’s up to us to show him the reasons why.”
Thibodeau also addressed a number of other topics:
- He’s also “very optimistic” big man Karl-Anthony Towns will sign a contract extension by the October 15 deadline. “We know how important Karl is to the future of the organization,” Thibodeau said. As we noted in our Extension Candidate series, Towns is likely to sign a max extension.
- Former Pistons assistant Malik Allen has been added to his coaching staff, replacing Rick Brunson. Allen joined the staff of ex-Pistons coach Stan Van Gundy in 2014. Brunson resigned in May amid allegations of misconduct.
- Center Justin Patton should be cleared for contact by the start of training camp. The 7-foot Patton, the 16th overall pick in 2017, appeared in just one game last season after undergoing two foot surgeries.
Thibs is a great coach but every where he goes these things will follow. He is such a grinder that it burns out players quickly.
I just think Jimmy sees the franchise level talent Towns is and wants to bring that out in him. I don’t think Butler wants to step over Towns, hopefully they situate things and Butler re-signs. Would be sweet if they could win it all this coming season, maybe that’s far fetched in a lot of minds but Wiggins and Towns have surreal potential and if Jimmy could help them tap into that the sky is the limit.
They won’t get past the Rockets, Warriors, Jazz, or Lakers
We honestly don’t know, if Wiggins and Towns play to their potential they’ll be able to beat anyone.
Not happening!
I say trade butler and teague to the lakers for ball, ingram, kuzma , deng (in order to match salaries) .
Twolves roster would again be young and ready to compete in 2 -3 years time when golden state starts to fade.
Then if they could unload deng and gibson that would be a bonus.
Ball wiggins ingram towns dieng
Jones rose kuzma patton diop okogie nunnaly.
Good young line up with rose departing at trade deadline or end of contract.
Thibs would have to embrace patience and going young.
As Nancy said, just say “no.”
I’m starting to think Jimmy will stay in Minnesota.
In what world does a GM give up Ingram for an older Butler? That proposal is straight up ignorant.
I also love the GS start to fade part. Lol you’ll be so mad when GS gets Anthony Davis in 2 years.
Salaries will become an issue and like all good things they all come to an end . 5 to 6 years of domination is quite an accomplishment. And don’t forget the older a player gets , a nasty little thing called injuries start taking a toll. As for straight up trade ingram for butler , better lay off the weed son. Established star plus starting pg nets multi young promising player package. One good season doesn’t guarantee shit. Shit if the lakers want taj to make it happen no problem. Think about it teague/rondo butler james taj mcgee/zubac
Stephenson beasley, hart pope and co.
Starting five can compete amd they could even pick up vucevic from the magics add him to the line up and then they could rival houston and gs this year not next year maybe.
I am not sure Thibs has got any idea about what’s going on in the locker room, that coach is a joke.
This is one of the best defensive minds in the NBA has had over the past decade plus…Show some respect..
Agreed. Thibs is definitely not a joke. I don’t agree with how he uses his players, but that’s one of his few flaws. He’s definitely a great basketball mind.
Fatigue concerns.