Report: Jimmy Butler Screamed ‘You Can’t Win Without Me’ at Timberwolves’ Practice 😳
Jimmy Butler returned to the Minnesota Timberwolves’ practice facility today to put in work with the team, but things quickly got heated, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Butler reportedly directed sharp comments to coach Tom Thibodeau, general manager Scott Layden and teammates Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins. At one point, he screamed “You (bleeping) need me. You can’t win without me” to Layden.
The beef with Towns was present on the court, too, per Yahoo Sports.
At one point, Butler found himself guarding Towns in the post and when the big man received the entry pass, Butler yelled, “He can’t do [expletive] against me!” and Towns ended up kicking the ball out, league sources said.
All-Star Jimmy Butler participated in Minnesota's practice, a session that included him verbally challenging teammates, coaches and front office, league sources told ESPN. Butler was vociferous and emotional at times, targeting Thibodeau/Layden/Towns/Wiggins. Story soon on ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 10, 2018
At one point in a scrimmage, sources said, Butler turned to GM Scott Layden and screamed, "You (bleeping) need me. You can't win without me." Butler left teammates and coaches largely speechless. He dominated the gym in every way. Jimmy's back.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 10, 2018
Butler’s game was as strong as his talk, too. He reportedly teamed up with the end of the Timberwolves’ bench and defeated the starts in a scrimmage.
"I heard that he took the third stringers and beat the starters" – @DarthAmin
😂😂😂#NBATwitter #TheJump https://t.co/oVdWEkI2q5
— 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧' 𝐍𝐁𝐀 (@_Talkin_NBA) October 10, 2018
This practice was Butler’s first contact with his teammates since requesting a trade three weeks ago, a request that shocked many of his teammates. There’s been conflict over how to move Butler, with owner Glen Taylor reportedly wanting him moved as quick as possible; however, the front office has remained firm on its asking price.
RELATED: Jimmy Butler Prefers to Be Traded to the Miami Heat
