Minnesota Timberwolves: did Jimmy Butler send a veiled diss to his former team?
Former Minnesota Timberwolves‘ star Jimmy Butler has some fond words for his new teammates, however, was it at shot at his old team?
Jimmy Butler is gone, but he did not leave the Minnesota Timberwolves quietly. Now fans are wondering if Butler went after his previous teammates while praising his new ones.
It has been less than a week since the Timberwolves officially sent the bemoaning Butler, along with center Justin Patton to the Philadelphia Sixers. The Timberwolves’ brass are already hearing criticism for stalling with the trade negotiations and turning down viable trade offers in hopes of being completely blown away. They can only be angry about Butler’s recent comments.
Minutes after Butler had his home debut with the Sixers, he quickly heaped praise for his new team.
"“When you put five really good basketball players out there, the job is easy because the ball is going to move,” he said. “Guys are going to shoot when open, pass to the open guy. Basketball is just that easy. With this group of guys, it is really easy.”"
That is an incredible way of getting on the good side of the players he has now joined. Nevertheless, it is curious how those comments were received in the Timberwolves’ locker room.
Butler did not make many new friends as his time with the Timberwolves was ticking down. Asides from paying for a chartered jet so that backup Timberwolves’ point guard Tyus Jones can see his younger brother play against Duke, the reported nice gestures have been few and far between. Is there genuine animosity between Butler and the Timberwolves?
On the surface it appears that Butler had a less than enjoyable time playing for the Timberwolves. It seems as if Butler lost a little of his passion for the game judging from his comments. Words like Butler’s could be damaging to the Timberwolves as they are already not major players in NBA free agency.
Another question to ponder is who was Butler referring to? Did he not enjoy playing with his Timberwolves’ teammates or for the coaches? That is up for debate also.
Next. Do not celebrate the Jimmy Butler trade. dark
In the meantime, decide for yourself. Was Jimmy Butler praising his new team a subtle way of dissing the Minnesota Timberwolves?