Minnesota Timberwolves Roundup: Thibs not concerned about Butler

The rumors have been flying hot and heavy surrounding Jimmy Butler and whether or not he wants to stay with the Minnesota Timberwolves. However, Tom Thibodeau doesn’t seem to care.

So … what were you expecting?

Of course Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Tom Thibodeau was going to be dismissive of any questions regarding All-Star Jimmy Butler’s rumored unhappiness with his situation with the Wolves. Thibs wouldn’t have it any other way.

Thibodeau sat down with Jerry Zgoda of the Star Tribune at the Minnesota State Fair this week to discuss a few topics, with the Butler situation chief among them.

Below is what he told Zgoda when asked about the situation.

"“I’ve been around a long time; I don’t buy into any of that stuff,” Thibodeau said. “You have to distinguish what’s real and what’s not real. You never heard any of that come from Jimmy’s mouth. It’s always a source close to Jimmy. If Jimmy has something to say to someone, he usually says it directly …“The biggest thing is chemistry on the floor and winning. How efficient they are tells you there’s strong chemistry on the floor.”…“We wanted him to know how important he is to the future of the organization. The winning will take care of that. We know the position we’re in. We have a lot to offer him. We think this is the best place for him, and it’s up to us to show him the reasons why.”"

Thibodeau is right in the sense that Butler is an extremely … direct person and doesn’t typically mince words or play the media game the same way other stars might. But to that same point, Butler also hasn’t come out to denounce any of the rumors, either, which also seems like something he would, or perhaps should, consider doing.

But Thibs is gonna be Thibs, and he can’t exactly cop to there being chemistry issues, either.

Thibodeau also said that “the winning will take care of” the Butler situation. This is a fair take, and the Wolves must bank on winning (which, in turn, banks on the health and development of Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins) and on his personal relationship with the superstar wing.

The rumors have persisted, however, and as it turns out, where there is smoke there is fire more often than not.

If anything else crops up on the Butler-Wolves situation — or if Thibs gives any additional public comments — we’ll have reaction here at Dunking With Wolves.