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Update:
The Jimmy Butler story is getting even weirder, as Deadspin reports that Miami Heat executive Pat Riley used strong profanity to describe Minnesota Timberwolves President Tom Thibodeau after a nearly-completed deal between the two teams fell through due to Thibodeau’s increased demands. (Hint: the description involved things you shouldn’t be doing with your mom.)
The ongoing saga of Minnesota Timberwolves star forward Jimmy Butler took another turn on Thursday. One day after Butler conducted a hostile takeover of the team’s practice, calling out teammates Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins in the process, the disgruntled forward called a players-only meeting while the team cancelled practice and the subsequent media obligation, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Timberwolves All-Star Jimmy Butler called a players-only meeting today, airing his feelings toward situation and management, per league sources. Butler expressed to players he would compete with them, as signs pointing to him staying with the franchise into the regular season.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 11, 2018
Butler has been public and vocal about his desire for the team to trade him, but potential deals with the Los Angeles Clippers and Miami Heat have fallen through. Minnesota President of Basketball Operations and Head Coach Tom Thibodeau has been adamant about retaining Butler for the upcoming season.
In the meeting, Butler made it clear to the team that his issues are with management, but sitting out wasn’t an option, according to Charania.
Sources on @TheAthleticNBA @WatchStadium: Several players spoke up in players-only meeting, but Butler led it, made known his issues with management. His message was similar to one he displayed Wednesday: I run this. He's far too competitive to sit real games. https://t.co/Cwo8OCFY8m
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 11, 2018
Yet Wolves guard Jeff Teague claims no meeting happened:
@ShamsCharania it wasn’t no players meeting you just made that up bro y’all gotta relax with this fake news
— Jeff Teague (@Teague0) October 11, 2018
And player development coach John Lucas also isn’t aware of any meeting:
@ShamsCharania what meeting did you hear about
— John Lucas III (@Luke1luk) October 11, 2018
Minnesota plays its final preseason game Friday versus the Milwaukee Bucks.