Don't believe everything you may see on social media. That seemed to be the message Minnesota Timberwolves swingman Jimmy Butler wanted to get across to the masses last night.
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In a Tuesday evening Twitter post, Butler said he and the Timberwolves' front office are going to talk to each other ... just not on the day that was being reported. Over the weekend, reports circulated that Butler and the Wolves would meet on Tuesday to discuss his uncertain future with general manager Scott Layden and coach Tim Thibodeau.
Butler posted on Tuesday night (AEST) that the meeting is set for Wednesday.
"Exactly why people need to stop believing what you see on the internet," Butler wrote on Twitter. "I didn’t have no damn meeting today ... its tomorrow ... I wonder what else people write and people believe hmmm ..."
exactly why people need to stop believing what you see on the internet.. I didn’t have no damn meeting today... its tomorrow.. i wonder what else people write and people believe hmmm...
— Jimmy Butler (@JimmyButler) September 18, 2018
Chris Hine of the Star Tribune has more on what may be discussed in today's meeting between Butler and the team :
The meeting will take place after an offseason filled with soap opera-like drama for the Wolves and Butler, with reports surfacing that he is frustrated playing with Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins, the two young cornerstones of the franchise.
Butler rejected the Wolves’ offer of a four-year, $110 million extension in July, a move that was not so much a repudiation of the Wolves but a business move since Butler could net up to $80 million more if he signs a new contract after this coming season (Butler has a player option on his current deal and can opt out of his contract after this upcoming season).
Training camp opens next week.
Towns has yet to sign his maximum contract extension and has until Oct. 15 to do so. If Butler is unhappy and indicates to the Wolves he will not sign with them next offseason, the most prudent option for the Wolves might be to trade Butler before the deadline in February and get something in return for him instead of letting him walk for nothing.
To do that, head coach and personnel boss Tom Thibodeau would have to make a decision that is aimed at the franchise’s long-term goals rather than the short term, something that could be difficult for a coach who hates to lose any regular-season game.
The Timberwolves acquired Butler from Chicago in exchange for Kris Dunn, Zach LaVine and Lauri Markkanen during the 2017 offseason. The former 30th overall pick helped propel the young Timberwolves to a 47-35 season while earning his fourth consecutive All-Star berth. Butler averaged 22.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 2.0 steals per game on his way to All-NBA Third Team and All-Defensive Second Team honors.
Butler had an elective surgical procedure on his right hand and missed Team USA's summer practice in Las Vegas.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
