NBA: Butler plays “Come with a smile” as a prelude

Jimmy Butler has been training for the Minnesota Timberwolves again since no trade has been done yet. On the weekend it came to a discussion with owner Glen Taylor. Butler will probably wear the Wolves Jersey at the start of the season. Andrew Wiggins is happy that Butler is back with the team.

“They want me here and I will continue to do my best on the court,” Butler told the media after another training session. “I’m healthy, I want to play basketball because that’s what I like to do. I do it for the boys who wear the same jersey as me.”

According to information from Jon Krawczynski (The Athletic), there was a discussion with owner Glen Taylor, who had come especially, before the training. There it came allegedly to the following agreement: Taylor will continue to look for a trade for Butler, while in the meantime he plays as hard as usual and is a good player.

Butler announced this again on Sunday. “I’m just thinking about defending and scoring. I want to win, I always want to win when I’m on the field.” At the same time, the Guard reiterated that their demands were not directed against Wolves players. “I want to help everyone get better. I’m still one of them here, so we better win our games.”

But he was not a different person despite all the drama. “Just ask the other guys. I always come with a smile and I’m happy I can play basketball.”

Numerous rumors said, among other things, that Butler’s relationship to Andrew Wiggins’ former No.1 pick was tense. The Canadian denied this again and was happy that Butler is still with the team.

“When you play, you’re happy to have someone like Jimmy on your team,” Wiggins said. “He’s a winner and will give everything in every game. All these people can say what they want.”