The Jimmy Butler trade rumors are a potential distraction for the Minnesota Timberwolves, and the disgruntled star's return to the building and heated return to the practice floor is only increasing that distraction. Anthony Tolliver and Jeff Teague were asked about seeing Butler in the building, and Teague even went on to discuss distractions in the league:
Here's Tolliver and Teague on Butler, who did practice today – neither would fully confirm. Another player via text when I asked how Butler looked: "I'm legally blind!" Also, RIP me. I have now officially died on the hill of Butler never wearing a #Twolves uniform again. pic.twitter.com/nk20gWmm7B
— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) October 10, 2018
Tolliver was short with his response:
“He was around, ya know. That's really all I gotta say about that.”
Teague was much more detailed in his answers about whether or not he thinks the distraction is hurting the team and how he feels about Butler.
“It's not hard. I've been around the league but it's my 10th year so I've been part of teams where a lot of things have been going on. It's part of the game and I don't think it's distracting me, but maybe it's distracting some other guys. Either way, man, I love Jimmy. Jimmy is my guy, but he's not here and we got a good team.”
Teague was then asked if he would rather have Butler around or away from the team while his trade situation is being worked out. Teague responded:
“I love Jimmy, man. Him being around, his energy, he's a good person and his energy is amazing. For me, I can deal with anyone so I can adjust to anything and I can adapt to any situation. I'm cool with it. He's my friend. It's not about basketball when I talk to him. It's talking about country music and WWE and just different stuff like that.”
Tolliver and Teague are in a very tough position here. They are being asked questions about something they have little to no control over. Credit to them for not saying anything negative about Butler or the organization.
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