NBA – Timberwolves suffer their worst loss under Thibodeau

MINNEAPOLIS – The Minnesota Timberwolves had lost by far their biggest margin for over a year and yet Jimmy Butler seemed to exist in a parallel world of basketball. The All-Star wing seemed insensitive to the chaos that had just unfolded on his pitch and asked aloud if Taj Gibson wanted to come and spend time.

While Butler was trying to meet his business requirements to meet his demand and all Timberwolves had lost their temper, the Timberwolves seemed to have reached their breaking point on Friday.

Butler seemed amused by the journalists' questions about the defeat, the most important of the last three years as coach Tom Thibodeau. He called the performance "bad" and "horrible", but the words seemed hollow. No, he was not worried about it. No, according to Butler, the team has not lost focus because of the off-road drama. In fact, there was no drama to see here.

"I do not consider anything dramatic," said Butler, after scoring four points in twenty-four in 24 minutes. "I consider it's business."

A few lockers away, Karl-Anthony Towns mumbled with a teammate about a chicken wedge while dressing up. He snapped to reporters, just enough time to tie his black shoes.

"We just threw an egg tonight," Towns said.

Towns and Butler, whose relations have been strained in recent months, agree on at least one thing after the match: the Timberwolves have not lost their concentration. It's hard to say, whether they really believe or not, especially after the dismantling of Milwaukee, who led 63-38 at halftime and scored 53.3%. The cities had only two points in the first period on a shot on 8 before finishing with 16.

As the Minnesota training architect and coach responsible for bringing his team together after Butler's preparatory defeat, Thibodeau must understand that vocal parts of the fan base have clearly spoiled the Timberwolves after many apathetic performances.

"Things are changing fast in this league," said Thibodeau. "They can change from bad to fast, and from bad to good, so we have to get there, we have to have a will and a determination."

Thibodeau hoped to be able to reintegrate Butler into the rotation without any problem. they could stay in the playoff race and overcome the malfunction – perhaps even until the trade deadline. This seems like a less and less viable option for Timberwolves.

The owner, Glen Taylor, assured Butler that the team was still looking for an exchange for him, and there was a belief that the organization would seriously return to the trade negotiations in 10 to 15 games in the season , said sources in the league.

Houston has offered four future first-round picks in Minnesota, but this package does not include custody Eric Gordon, who would be mandatory for Minnesota in any proposed deal, said sources from the league. Thibodeau wants a maximum return of the players able to help Minnesota to return in series.

Taylor has tasked General Manager Scott Layden with the task of finding a job, while Thibodeau focuses on coaching the team. Miami and Philadelphia remain teams interested in potential deals for Butler, and Taylor has hoped that these teams would become more aggressive in their offers to force Butler, league sources said.

The LA Clippers and Brooklyn Nets – two teams with a significant salary cap for the month of July and a mutual free agent with Butler – have not been engaged for weeks with Minnesota, sources said. the league.

Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN contributed to this report.