The new-look Minnesota Timberwolves will have a long preseason schedule before getting back to their anxious fans, hoping to see what this 2017-18 season has in store with the additions of Jimmy Butler, Jeff Teague, Taj Gibson, Jamal Crawford and all the returning player that will take part on the equation.

Following their Media Day responsibilities, the Timberwolves went to San Diego to start their training camp, and consequently beat the Los Angeles Lakers in their first preseason game on Saturday, later leaving for Shenzhen, China for their preseason series against the Golden State Warriors.

By the end of their trip to China, this team will have spent 18 days away from home before facing the Utah Jazz on Oct. 20 for their home opener. Forward Jimmy Butler has seemed to rather enjoy the time away from the Twin Cities bonding with his new teammates than dwell on the situation.

“I love that,” Butler told ESPN's Nick Friedell.

The Texas native is aware of the new pieces that will need to click in place before challenging this star-studded Western Conference.

Article Continues Below
More NBA News
Illinois Fighting Illini guard Kasparas Jakucionis (32) drives against Xavier Musketeers forward Jerome Hunter (2) in the first half of the NCAA Tournament First Round game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Xavier Musketeers at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee on Friday, March 21, 2025. Xavier was eliminated from the tournament, losing 86-73, to Illinois.
3 players Utah Jazz must avoid in 2025 NBA DraftZachary Howell ·
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) shoots the ball against Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) during the second quarter in game one of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center.
Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton responds to Dwyane Wade reacting to his Game 1 heroicsRichard Pereira ·
Coco Gauff of the United States poses with the trophy after winning the women’s singles final against Aryna Sabalenka on day 14 at Roland Garros Stadium.
LeBron James erupts with huge reaction to Coco Gauff’s French Open winLorenzo J Reyna ·
Oklahoma Sooners guard Jeremiah Fears (0) controls the ball against Connecticut Huskies during the second half at Lenovo Center. Thomas Sorber and Joan Beringer
3 players Washington Wizards must avoid in 2025 NBA DraftZachary Howell ·
Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault speaks at a press conference during an NBA Finals practice session ahead of Game 2 at Paycom Center with the Pacers logo in the background
Thunder’s Mark Daigneault hints at potential Game 2 lineup changeJosue Pavon ·
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Kobe Bryant, Oklahoma City Thunder, Los Angeles Lakers
Thunder news: How Shai Gilgeous-Alexander draws ‘influence’ from Kobe BryantTomer Azarly ·

“Yeah, I think so,” Butler said. “Why not go out to California for a little bit and see some sunshine, some nice weather? Then head over to China and play in front of those fans. It's going to be fun. Like it or not, we're going to have to spend a lot of time with one another.”

A shortened training camp due to the altered early start to the season will provide a sense of urgency to get things underway, which can prove tough with three potential new starters in the lineup.

“I think it's very helpful,” head coach Tom Thibodeau said. “And obviously I've been part of that with my experience in Boston we went away every season and we did the same in Houston and in New York. It's an opportunity for a number of new players to spend time together. With camp being shortened, with the season being earlier for us going to San Diego, being able to play against the Lakers and the chance to go to China from there, to be able to play against Golden State twice will be good for us to maximize our time.”

The Warriors are coming off a preseason loss against the Denver Nuggets and will be anxious to test themselves against a Timberwolves team that looks promising after one game.