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Minnesota Timberwolves president/head coach Tom Thibodeau had previously resisted trading star player Jimmy Butler upon Tuesday's request during their meeting in Los Angeles, but after a quick scolding from owner Glen Taylor, Thibodeau has slightly changed his stance heading into training camp.
“We're not going to make a bad deal. If it's a good deal, then we're interested,” said Thibodeau, according to Chris Hine of The Minneapolis Star Tribune
“Our job is to seek out the best opportunity for us. If something is good for us then we're interested in doing it. If not, we're ready to move the other way.”
Taylor had sought out trades during owners' meetings, encouraging franchises to reach out for potential trades, even if it meant skipping the chain of command and reaching out to him personally. Taylor then talked to his front office, comprised of Thibodeau as the double-hat wielding executive and general manager Scott Layden, telling them he expects them to engage in trade talks to those calling, as well as explore options with other teams.
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Thibodeau admitted that swinging a deal for Butler wouldn't come without some risks, ones that could potentially get him fired if the return he gets for Butler isn't enough to help propel this roster to another playoff appearance.
“I thought it was a great deal for us,” said Thibodeau, looking back at last year's draft night trade, according to Jerry Zgoda of The Minneapolis Star Tribune. “We knew where he was with his contract. He thought we'd have an opportunity to sign him. It didn't work out.”
The Timberwolves will be hard-pressed to get equal value for Butler, knowing that most teams are aware of their situation: move Butler, or prepare for organizational chaos from the front office all the way to the court.
