Jimmy Butler Timberwolves practice, explained: Revisiting fiery tirade that led to trade from Minnesota

The Bulls drafted Jimmy Butler with the 30th overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft. After six seasons with the franchise, he was traded to the Timberwolves in exchange for Zach LaVine, Kris Dunn and the rights to Lauri Markkanen.

This was the first time the forward was traded in his career, but it wouldn't be the last. Butler only spent one full season with Minnesota. He had success with the Wolves during games, but outside of games, tensions rose. This culminated in a fiery practice toward the start of the 2018-19 season. Only a few weeks after the practice session, Butler was traded. 

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Here is what happened at the Timberwolves practice that forced Minnesota to trade Butler. 

Jimmy Butler Timberwolves practice, explained

Butler played 59 games in his first season with the Wolves. Ahead of the following training camp, he requested to be traded. Butler joined the team for a practice the next month and took the time to air his grievances, particularly during a scrimmage when Butler teamed up with the reserves to top a group led by Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins. Butler exchanged heated words with Towns, and practice was eventually called off because tempers escalated.

Butler played in 10 games that season before being traded to the 76ers. The trade request initially came as a sign that the forward didn't see himself signing long-term with Minnesota. That didn't sit well with his teammates and tensions eventually rose to the point where they boiled over at practice. On the one hand, it was good the team was able to air its grievances, but it was done when it became clear that Butler was just waiting to be traded to a different franchise. 

The forward was traded for the second time in his career, along with Justin Patton, to the 76ers in exchange for Jerryd Bayless, Robert Covington, Dario Saric and a 2022 second-round draft pick. 

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Since being traded, Butler hasn't played much in Minnesota. His teams have, but the forward tends to miss the games against his former team. Butler has been back to the Target Center, but it has been 1,260 days since he has played a game there. That streak will come to an end when he and Golden State take on Minnesota in the second round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs. 

It should be a good series between the teams. Not only will we see Anthony Edwards square off with Steph Curry, but the Minnesota crowd should give an earful to Butler who has a tendency to avoid them during regular season matchups. 

Jimmy Butler blew kisses to Wolves fans after “Where’s Jimmy” chants 😂 pic.twitter.com/YWJKZJivw5