This is crazy even by the insane new era of the modern NBA. When Jimmy Butler returned to practice with the Timberwolves on Wednesday, he did not slink back into the gym, embarrassed by the trade demand he made just days before training camp began. No, he did the opposite of that, reportedly screaming, cursing, verbally challenging teammates, coaches, and the front office, as reported by ESPN. No coach, executive, teammate, or trainer was spared his wrath:
Jimmy participated in drills and that uncomfortable-sounding scrimmage. He was also with his teammates in the locker room Wednesday morning league sources say. Teammates didn't offer many details when asked about the alleged outbursts, merely confirming that Butler was indeed at the practice.
ESPN is allegedly interviewing Butler right now for an interview that will air tonight.
There have been reports the Wolves have reached out to the Rockets after their deal with Miami over the weekend fell through. Some have speculated that might have been what triggered Butler during practice.
The real question is if anyone could have seen this coming.
It appears Jimmy played with the third string in the scrimmage, and it was after he and the third string beat the starters that the outburst directed at general manager Scott Layden and others began.
