Minnesota Timberwolves: Could Tom Thibodeau lose his job with Jimmy Butler practicing?

After weeks of rumors that Jimmy Butler wants out of Minnesota and that drama is ruining the team, sources say that Butler has practiced with the Timberwolves today … so there’s that.

No, we are not joking.

Sources have recently came out that the Minnesota Timberwolves were looking to trade Jimmy Butler to the Houston Rockets or the Miami Heat, specifically Miami:

"Via, ESPN (Twitter)“Miami had softened on including guard Josh Richardson in versions of a possible deal for Butler, only to recoil once Minnesota pushed late for a sweeter return on the four-time All-Star, league sources said. Richardson, 25, who’s considered a strong, young two-way player, averaged 12.9 points in 81 starts last season. He’s in the first season of a four-year, $42 million contract.Outside of the Heat, the Timberwolves have had no serious, active talks with any other team, league sources said. Butler has told Minnesota that he’ll leave in free agency in July — and wants a trade now.Owner Glen Taylor has pushed president of basketball operations and coach Tom Thibodeau and general manager Scott Layden to find a deal sooner rather than later for Butler, league sources said.”"

While these rumors sound fantastic for the Timberwolves moving forward, a trade with the Miami Heat and Houston Rockets now seems (close to) void.

It was speculated that Karl-Anthony Towns signed his max extension because Jimmy Butler was getting the boot, and now he’s practicing with the team? Are we to expect that the Wolves will just trade him anyways?

Let’s hope so.

There is no way the Wolves lineup will be okay with having Jimmy Butler by their side for the remainder of the season with all of the drama he’s caused thus far. However, let’s play with the idea that Thibs won this battle between Butler and Minnesota.

Jimmy Butler staying on the Timberwolves this season could actually be a possibility, but is it the best move going forward?

The 4-time All-Star is obviously an NBA great at the moment. Moreover, keeping him on the market while letting him play until the trade deadline could help the Wolves potentially get more than they realize for Butler’s talents.

So that sounds positive … but how could this go wrong?

Head Coach Tom Thibodeau could get fired, like as of today. Owner Glen Taylor has been adamant about getting Jimmy Butler out of Minnesota and instead of following those orders weeks ago, Thibs has let Butler back on the court.

We’re actually experiencing a Woj bomb as I’m writing, specifically illustrating the troubles Butler caused for the Wolves on the court today:

"“All-Star Jimmy Butler participated in Minnesota’s practice, a session that included him verbally challenging teammates, coaches and front office, league sources told ESPN. Butler was vociferous and emotional at times, targeting Thibodeau/Layden/Towns/Wiggins. Story soon on ESPN.”“At one point in a scrimmage, sources said, Butler turned to GM Scott Layden and screamed, “You (bleeping) need me. You can’t win without me.” Butler left teammates and coaches largely speechless. He dominated the gym in every way. Jimmy’s back.”"

I’m not sure that quote about ‘needing him’ constitutes Woj to say that Jimmy’s back, but sure.

Once again, if Thibodeau really made the mistake of letting Butler essentially fight the team on the court today, then he could definitely lose his job.

This could turn out to be one of the crazier stories in NBA history, and of course it’s with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Stay tuned to what happens over the next 24 hours here at, Dunking With Wolves.