The T-Wolves at times didn’t look like they liked each other on the court. There were reports throughout the year Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns weren’t happy.
Now we have this report from The Sporting News about Jimmy Butler and Wiggins beef.
Sources familiar with the situation told Sporting News that Butler is uncertain about playing with Wiggins — Butler had problems last season with Wiggins, his work ethic and his approach on the defensive end of the floor. Thibodeau has had similar problems with Wiggins in the past, too, and he had some hope that bringing a tough-minded veteran like Butler into the locker room would spur Wiggins to improve. It didn’t.
The security of a contract extension would be welcome for Butler. But the Wolves are locked into Wiggins for five years, starting next season. If Butler signs on to stay in Minnesota, he could be locking himself into playing with Wiggins for the foreseeable future. That’s risky from Butler’s perspective.
Don’t be shocked if someone is traded or Butler walks when he can.