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Minnesota Timberwolves fans welcomed the arrival of Jimmy Butler last year as the alpha dog the team needed. He quickly turned the Minnesota culture into a land of grain and dirt, bringing the Timberwolves to their first playoff run in 13 years.
But now, the alpha dog wants to go out, and an upcoming season that seemed full of promise now feels strangely on the brink.
Last week, the quadruple NBA All-Star met with team president and head coach, Tom Thibodeau, to demand an exchange. Thibodeau has had a week to move Butler but has not yet confirmed his move. Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor told the teams that Butler is available, adding that he would personally negotiate if Thibodeau and the front office were reluctant to let Butler leave.
With the current preseason, we still do not know exactly who will play where the games will start counting. Here is a preview of Timberwolves with – and without – Jimmy Butler:
He stays
Thibodeau, the NBA's last president and head coach, said Butler would return to the squad if the Timberwolves could not move him within a week. This makes a toxic situation more chaotic, without a doubt. It's almost as if Thibs was deliberately bent on his favorite player.
While rising star Karl-Anthony Towns has demonstrated professionalism in dealing with Butler's business demands, it's Towns' decision not to sign a contract with Max that has shed light on the fact that the Timberwolves had an internal problem on their hands.
League veterans Taj Gibson and Jeff Teague say the training camp was a little embarrassing because of Butler's dilemma, but the team is focused on moving forward.
But if Butler comes back, it will not be pretty.
The other young star of the team, Andrew Wiggins, was the scapegoat for Butler's dream for greener pastures. Nick, Wiggins' older brother, tweeted "Hallelujah" when the news revealed that Butler wanted to go out, fueling rumors that Andrew shared similar sentiments.
The tensions will certainly intensify. You can launch any fantasy team unit. The cities and Wiggins, both of whom have signed large long-term contracts, have still not adhered to their coach's strategies, and they have not adopted Butler's leadership.
he goes
Without Butler, the Timberwolves could finally participate in the youth revolution led by Towns and Wiggins. The pair has often been overshadowed by Butler, one of the NBA's top 20 talent, over the past season and has not blossomed as expected.
While Wiggins signed a $ 148 million five-year deal last season and Karl-Anthony Towns recently signed a $ 190 million five-year deal, the Wolves are fully committed to their young stars.
During the off-season, the Timberwolves have recruited Josh Okogie, the goaltender, who wants to be a small defensive end and striker, as well as striker Keita Bates-Diop, who many call to steal the NBA project. If one or the other became an impact player, things could become interesting. The Wolves also signed striker Anthony Tolliver and goaltender James Nunnelly.
Until then, in the training camp, the Wolves drove with a starting unit consisting of Derrick Rose at the guardhouse, Jeff Teague at the shooter position, from Wiggins to the small forward, from Taj Gibson to attacking leader and Towns in the center. It is unlikely that Rose will stay with the starting lineup, but for now, that's what the future entails.
The playoffs without Butler could be daunting, while the Western Conference, a far superior conference, became even more difficult with LeBron James joining the Los Angeles Lakers over the summer. Denver nuggets, New Orleans pelicans, Dallas Mavericks and Memphis Grizzlies are expected to be much better than last season.
Bottom line
Until where the Timberwolves go this season relies on the determination and growth of cities and Wiggins. The team must move Butler as long as its value is still high. They must consider agreements that best complement the skills of Wiggins and Towns: shooting, defense and youth.
The Miami Heat was reportedly involved in talks, with goalkeepers Goran Dragic, Josh Richardson, Justise Winslow and big man Hassan Whiteside mentioned as potential returns. Many other teams were mentioned as business partners, but Butler's agent said his client was hoping to move to Miami.
Is it possible for Minnesota to meet if Butler walks through the door? Yes, but it is very unlikely. Even though Butler was playing well and the Wolves were playing in the playoffs, he would not stay for next season. His contract will be in place and he will still be gone.
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