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Minnesota Timberwolves: 3 big questions heading into 2018-19 NBA season

By Matt Esposito

DENVER, CO - APRIL 5: Tom Thibodeau and Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves look on during the game against the Denver Nuggets on April 5, 2018 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - APRIL 5: Tom Thibodeau and Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves look on during the game against the Denver Nuggets on April 5, 2018 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images
Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images /

1. What does Butler’s future hold?

This may be the most pressing question for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Jimmy Butler is a one of the league’s premier two-way players and still has some good years left in him. With the aforementioned chemistry issues, is it possible that Butler leaves Minnesota when the season is done?

So far, we know that Butler turned down a four-year, $100 million extension with the Timberwolves. This was expected, however, as Butler stands to make more money on the open market. The salary cap could rise soon, and Butler would surely benefit from it. This fact alone does not mean Butler wants out of Minnesota.

What is more interesting is an article written by Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times. Cowley, who ostensibly built a relationship with Butler while he was playing for the Chicago Bulls, relayed the idea of Butler wanting to team up with Kyrie Irving. Cowley phrased it like this:

"“A league source close to the situation told the Sun-Times on Tuesday that Celtics point guard Kyrie Irving and former Bulls All-Star Jimmy Butler — who’s been playing with the Timberwolves since a draft-night trade in 2017 — are still trying to figure out a way to play together.”"

This certainly gets the wheels turning. If you recall, Irving and Butler have been teammates once before while playing for Team USA. Both of these All-Stars will be unrestricted free agents next season.

Next. Ranking all 30 starting NBA shooting guards in 2018-19. dark

A team like the Brooklyn Nets figure to have tons of cap space and can offer these two a chance to compete in the weaker Eastern Conference. What will the Minnesota Timberwolves do to try and retain Butler’s services?

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