Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jimmy Butler reassured team owner Glen Taylor he would continue being "a regular player" until management finds a suitable trade for him.
Taylor made the disclosure in a wide-ranging interview at a local paper after confirming he spoke with Butler to thresh out his grievance with the Timberwolves. The owner said both him and Butler reached an agreement.
The firebrand forward committed to go "to practice every day," and suit up for Timberwolves "to play in games," according to the team owner.
"He will be a regular player," Taylor continued, adding that Butler would play 100 percent which was "the only way he knows."
He also assured Butler that team GM Scott Layden will continue to speak with other teams to look for a trade that works for the forward and Minnesota.
On the other hand, as far as the management was concerned, Taylor insisted the direction the team was pursuing was to get a trade since Butler was firm in his decision not to re-sign with the Timberwolves when his US$190-million, five-year contract expires this year.
"It is in our interest to get a trade," Taylor pointed out, so that Minnesota could find "a player or two to replace him that helps our team."
Last week, Butler shook the team during practice when he questioned the commitment of players, particularly star center Karl Anthony Towns and guard Andrew Wiggins. The disgruntled forward even took third stringers and beat the starting lineup in scrimmage, a proverbial mic drop, before storming out the practice facility without saying a word.
Taylor could heave a sigh of relief at the Timberwolves' first game after Butler's performance almost allowed Minnesota to come away with the victory against San Antonio. But the Spurs were too much for the Timberwolves, with DeMar DeRozan scoring the final four points for San Antonio to win, 112-108
Butler, who scored 23 points on a 9-for-23 clip, tied the game at 108 with 42.1 ticks in the clock with a three-ball at the corner. But DeRozan scored off a runner to grab the lead, and sealed the game with two-free throws en route to his first victory with his new team.
At the post game interview, Butler appreciated the team's effort in the game, saying they missed easy shots but nonetheless stuck with the game plan.
"We came up short," Butler conceded.
Asked whether he would continue bringing in the hustle play despite the trade demand, Butler said he would take everything one game at a time and figure out how to bring victories for the Timberwolves while he's wearing their colors.
