Minnesota Timberwolves: winners and losers from Karl-Anthony Towns’ super-max deal

In the wake of the Towns’ super-max extension, Jimmy Butler will get his wish.

While turmoil has taken over in the Timberwolves’ front office, Butler is simply biding his time as he figures out where he will play next. News that Butler issued a trade demand surfaced last week. The timing of the Timberwolves’ star asking out was curious given the fact that training camp begins in a couple of days.

There were hints that Butler wanted out months ago. He has had a rumored beef with Towns that has been brewing for a while. Despite the rumblings, the Timberwolves had been reluctant to deal Butler elsewhere.

Butler has had Thibodeau champion for him throughout his run with the team. Their relationship goes back to their days with the Chicago Bulls as player and coach. Needless to say, the two of them trust each other.

Butler’s trade demand has little to do with Thibodeau, but more about his relationship with Towns. The two Timberwolves’ leaders have butted heads on everything from practice habits to the overall passion for the game. Butler has taken on many of the traits his coach desires which have rubbed Towns the wrong way.

By asking for the Timberwolves to trade him, Butler gets to escape what he sees as an undesirable situation for his career. Towns getting his big payday from the Timberwolves give Butler exactly what he wants.