Who knows what's going on in Minnesota right now. Tom Thibodeau seems intent on keeping Jimmy Butler, but Glen Taylor doesn't seem so sure. According to Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic, Thibodeau is holding firm in his idea that Butler is not going anywhere.
Players on the team have been searching for answers, but Thibodeau has held firm to this point, sources said. Teams continue to reach out to the Wolves to gauge their interest and begin trade talks, only to be told that Butler is not available.
If this is some kind of renegade negotiating strategy aimed at causing confusion and muddying the waters, it’s working. Members of other front offices don’t know whom to contact or what to believe. But nearly all of them expect Taylor to eventually shepherd a deal to the finish line.”
It's impossible to know what to believe. There has been excellent reporting on this issue, but it doesn't even seem like the Timberwolves understand what is going on. Tom Thibodeau is saying he won't trade Butler while Taylor is telling owners the exact opposite.
It's not a good position for any franchise to be in. Butler will miss media day and won't be on the court when training camp begins. A lengthy training camp holdout would only continue the circus. Even if Thibodeau is serious about keeping Butler, it may not be up to him.