Jimmy Butler Returns To Practice, Verbally Challenges Coaches, Teammates

The Timberwolves will open up the regular season on October 17 against the San Antonio Spurs. Per ESPN, the All-Star swingman practiced Wednesday for the first time since his trade request and it was ... interesting.

Jimmy Butler was in the building for the Minnesota Timberwolves' practice session today - and he reportedly "left teammates and coaches largely speechless" as he dominated the gym in every way. Could we see a blockbuster trade? "Butler has told Minnesota that he'll leave in free agency in July - and wants a trade now".

A proposed deal between the Heat and Wolves fell apart over the weekend, but there has been hope among the Minnesota front office, coaching staff and some teammates that Butler would rejoin the team. With Taylor upfront about his desire to make a quick deal for Butler, one meeting attendee said, "The owner's trading him".

With that in mind, the Heat appear to still be in pursuit. The Rockets and Suns were ready to dip their toe into the Butler market.

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The Miami Heat and the Timberwolves were rumored to be interested in a deal involving Butler.

The Los Angeles Clippers and Houston Rockets also haven't given up on the idea of landing Butler in a trade, according to multiple sources and reports.

Butler's preferred trade destination is the Miami Heat, but talks between the two sides have broken down. The Athletic made the outlook of a trade sound grim, however. Thibodeau has started reaching out to players on the team to prepare them for the prospects of a deal taking place during the season, not before, sources said. According to ESPN's Stefano Fusaro, the Timberwolves reportedly asked for Tucker and shooting guard Eric Gordon in a trade involving the 29-year old guard.

Jimmy Butler returned to Minnesota on Wednesday, and the jilted star made his presence felt. "You can't win without me".