After a rocky past couple of weeks, things are finally starting to stabilize for superstar shooting guard Jimmy Butler and the Minnesota Timberwolves, thanks in large part to team owner Glen Taylor.
Since news broke out of a heated confrontation in practice a few days ago, Taylor and his wife, Becky, took it upon themselves to drive down and reach out to their disgruntled star. This effort has apparently led to something fruitful. Butler still wants out of Minnesota, but at least both sides have cleared the air and came to an understanding.
According to John Krawczynski of The Athletic, the organization has committed to continue its efforts in finding a suitable trade package while the four-time NBA All-Star will play as hard as he always does. This development, although seemingly so simple, is a major step in the right direction.
Butler, himself, at least left the meeting slightly more positive than he was before. This is what he had to say:
“They want me to go out here and hoop to the best of my abilities,” Butler said after practice on Sunday, his second workout with the team since he returned from an absence created by his trade request. “Make sure I’m healthy. Compete, ‘cause that’s what I love to do. Go up against the best, ‘cause that’s what I love to do. And do it for the guys that’s in the same jerseys as me.”
With only days left before the beginning of the 2018-19 season, everyone, regardless of personal motive, will need to band together to achieve another successful season. As Timberwolves fans, we can only hope that this stern heart-to-heart conversation between Glen Taylor and Jimmy Butler can help speed up this healing process that both sides seem to be craving.