Minnesota Timberwolves: The top 5 memorable moments from 2018
By Trey Flynn
While starting the season with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Jimmy Butler ended up holding out until the Wolves traded him.
After playing 10 out of the first 13 games of the season with the Timberwolves, you saw an uncomfortable Wolves’ roster and a perplexed fan base as to why Jimmy Butler hadn’t been traded yet.
Thibodeau tried his best to wait out for great deals, but unfortunately for him, the Wolves went on a 5-game losing streak that forced owner Glen Taylor and GM Scott Layden to make a deal with the Philadelphia 76ers because it literally looked like Towns and Wiggins’ were throwing games to get Butler out of there.
The deal sent Jimmy Butler and Justin Patton to the Sixers, and in return, the Wolves received Robert Covington, Dario Saric, Jerryd Bayless, and a 2022 second round pick.
Minnesota was ecstatic with the package they got back for Butler, but some media and fans weren’t sure that this was the best deal on the table when talks of players like Josh Richardson from the Miami Heat were involved.
Alas, the Wolves have looked like an unfortunately average team since the move, but they also look progressively hopeful since the move, and I expect them to continue that attitude as they try and strengthen their foundation and culture in Minny.
It’s also important to note how well players like Covington and Saric have immediately filled Butler’s role on this team, expect for the late closer that JB was, the Wolves are still looking for their down-the-stretch guy.
Which may be Karl-Anthony Towns and Derrick Rose; speaking of those guys.