After a tumultuous period that led to the parting of ways between Jimmy Butler and the Minnesota Timberwolves, the All-Star swingman made his return to his old stomping ground as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers.
It's been months since Butler was traded to the Eastern Conference powerhouse, but the Minnesota faithful's old wounds have not yet healed. They made sure Butler knew about it Saturday night during the player introductions.
Jimmy Butler hears the boos in his return to Minnesota 🗣
🎥: @malika_andrews
pic.twitter.com/qzSjPzU03G— USA TODAY NBA (@usatodaynba) March 31, 2019
All the jeers did not faze him at all, though.
Jimmy Butler laughed as the Minnesota crowd booed him during pre-game introductions. Amir Johnson had some fun with Jimmy, too, giving him two thumbs down as he approached for a high five.
— Michael Lee (@MrMichaelLee) March 31, 2019
Since Butler left the Timberwolves, the team has further plummeted in the Western Conference standings. It's not entirely an effect that should be attributed to the player, as injuries to Jeff Teague, Robert Covington, and Derrick Rose prevented any sort of continuity.
Karl-Anthony Towns was unleashed since the trade, giving Minny fans plenty to look forward to as he continues to improve.
The Sixers are in a great position right now to potentially contend for an NBA title. Their process certainly got accelerated thanks to the additions of Butler and Tobias Harris. But uncertainty will again hang around Butler as he is expected to hit free agency this coming summer.
Prior to Saturday night's game against the Timberwolves, Butler has averaged 18.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.8 steal in 33 minutes per game for the Sixers.
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