The highly publicized split between Jimmy Butler and the Minnesota Timberwolves gave way for the leaking of some of the team’s most contentious moments into the public sphere. Butler’s return to a team practice in October after an extended absence became one of the more elaborate episodes of the saga.
According to reports, Butler challenged the other four starters on the team in a scrimmage where Butler fielded a team of third string players. During the scrimmage, where Butler’s team reportedly outplayed the rest of the starters, Butler declared to Timberwolves general manager Scott Layden “You f—n need me.”
In an interview with GQ Magazine in December, Butler squashed the notion that there is any lingering resentment between him and the team he spent one full season with, and that he continues to stand by his comments.
Following from GQ,
I feel great about the comments. Fuck you mean? I feel great about the comments. You should be trying to win. I hope you’re trying to prove that you don’t need me, so it’s making everybody do what is needed to win on any given night. I like it. If that’s the type of shit that brings out the best in you, you’re welcome. You’re welcome. Just be the best and win as many games as possible. I think they’re doing that right now. I want them to continue to win. I really do. Because Jeff [Teague] has never missed a playoff. I want Derrick to know that he’s a top player in this league. Same with KAT. Same with Wigs. Taj [Gibson], all of those guys. We’re still all good. We’re still close. We still talk. Like I said, I’m glad that they’re winning. I am. I’m winning, too.
Butler’s trade to the Philadelphia 76ers was announced by Minnesota a month to the day after the practice events became public.
Philadelphia is in fourth place in the Eastern Conference as the team has performed well since the four-time All-Star arrived – winning 12 of their 18 games in that span.
The Timberwolves began the year with a 4-8 win/loss record and currently sit in 14th place in the western conference even with a 9-7 record following the Jimmy Butler trade.
