Jimmy Butler to talk to Tom Thibodeau about his Timberwolves future

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By Conor Porter

Published Sep 16, 2018

Butler is in his final year of his contract with Minnesota

Throughout the summer, we've seen plenty of rumours and reports that Jimmy Butler is unhappy at the Minnesota Timberwolves.

There had also been rumours that Butler's relationship with Karl-Anthony Towns is breaking down and, as a result of this and what is mentioned above, this could be his last season with the Timberwolves.

However, there is a glimmer of hope for those Minnesota fans that want to see the point guard stay beyond this season and not become a free agent.

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, a meeting is set between Butler and Timberwolves' president of basketball operations and head coach Tom Thibodeau to set the tone for his final season under contract with the team and his imminent free agency in July.

Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic first reported the news, stating that Butler will have honest conversations about his future with the team with the head coach as well as general manager Scott Layden.

The Timberwolves will be hoping to use the four-time All-Star's past relationship with Thibodeau from their time with the Chicago Bulls to try and lure him to stay with the team for a few more seasons.

However, Butler's broken down relationship with Towns will be an obstacle towards not only the point guard signing a new deal with Minnesota, but also the team's success on the court next season.

Bulter helped the Timberwolves reach the playoffs for the first time in 13 years last season on the last day, but keeping him at the team to be a part of the franchise's future history may pose a challenge.

ESPN has stated that Minnesota can offer the point guard a five-year, $189.7 million max contract, with a max deal elsewhere worth four years, $140.6 million.

If he doesn't sign such a deal, there is a feeling amongst other teams that Butler could be available before February's trade deadline as the Timberwolves won't want to lose him for nothing next summer.

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