Jimmy Butler's relationship with his Minnesota Timberwolves teammates has reportedly deteriorated to the point where the front office has chosen to get involved.That's according to Shams Charania of The Athletic who reports that the All-Star will meet with head coach and president Tom Thibodeau this week to discuss his future.The meeting is believed to be a "last-ditch" effort to salvage the situation heading into the season, per Bleacher Report.Charania said Butler is "seriously contemplating his future" with the Timberwolves and also revealed that he butted heads with the team's young stars Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins last season.He also stated that Thibodeau, who coached the shooting guard with the Chicago Bulls, is "in the middle" between Butler and the young players.
The 29-year-old addressed the rumour on Twitter on Monday and questioned the validity of the stories surrounding him.
Inspirational
Minnesota acquired the All-NBA man in a trade with the Bulls last year that saw them give up Zach LaVine, Kris Dunn and a first-round draft pick.
The veteran had a huge impact in his first campaign with the team, inspiring them to end their 13-year playoff drought.
He averaged 22.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.9 assists with the T-Wolves but missed 23 games through injury.
Prior to his setback, they were fourth in the west but dropped dramatically without him and only just secured a postseason berth on the final day of the regular season when he returned to the lineup.
Despite achieving their main goal, we have learned that things are frosty in the camp.
It's been reported throughout the summer that there is growing tension within the Timberwolves franchise between the players and management.
The team has to find a quick solution to the problem as Butler will be a free agent next summer.
Today's meeting should determine a course of action, which could potentially result in the star being made available for a trade if he confirms that he doesn't intend to re-sign.
The team has already committed to Wiggins by signing him to a huge five-year extension in 2017.
Towns is eligible to receive a similar deal and they're desperate to tie him down as soon as possible.
If offloading Butler results in KAT committing his long-term future to Minneapolis, it's something they'll seriously have to consider.
We should certainly know more after the meeting takes place but it appears that Butler days in Minnesota are numbered.
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