Despite having a contract extension on the table for much of the summer, Karl-Anthony Towns only recently signed a new long-term deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves.According to reports during the offseason, the 23-year-old had issues with the franchise which made him consider his future.It's also become clear that there is obvious friction between himself and disgruntled teammate Jimmy Butler.Therefore, it was curious to see him immediately put pen to paper as soon as Butler requested a trade.The T-Wolves are working hard to find an imminent deal to offload the former Chicago Bulls star and have allowed him to skip the beginning of their training camp this week.Many believe that Towns only chose to sign his five-year, $190 million super max extension because Butler is on his way out.

Speaking to The Athletic's Jon Krawczynski, the center said the timing of his decision was all about "getting everything perfect".

"It took a lot longer than I expected, but at the end of the day it was all about getting everything perfect, and the understanding was the same," Towns said.

"In talking to each other about the commitment to winning, that was the biggest thing, and having that commitment to each other."

It was a very cryptic explanation by KAT but most people will read between the lines and come to the conclusion that he simply wanted Butler out of the picture.

Failed experiment

After acquiring the shooting guard in a trade with the Bulls last year, there was real excitement in Minnesota.

Partnering a seasoned All-Star with Towns, one of the best young bigs in the league, was a recipe for success.

They fulfilled the team's number one objective of ending their 13-year playoff drought but things were not rosy in the locker room.

Butler simply didn't mesh with either KAT or Andrew Wiggins and made it clear that he has no intention of re-signing when he becomes a free agent next year.

It comes as no surprise, therefore, that the Timberwolves chose to go all in on Towns.

But the former Kentucky product will now have to build his relationship with head coach Tom Thibodeau as they bumped heads last season and didn't see eye to eye.

"Me and Thibs may not see eye to eye every day, but the one thing I know is we have tremendous respect for each other," Towns told Krawczynski.

"Regardless of what happens, that respect is there. I know when I look in Thibs' eyes and he looks in mine, we both have the same goal and that's to win.

"Me and Thibs have a good understanding what we're looking for out of each other."

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