Minnesota Timberwolves 5 predictions for 2018-19 NBA season

Minnesota Timberwolves: 5 predictions for the 2018-19 NBA season

HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 25: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves speaks to the media after Game Five of the Western Conference Quarterfinals against the Houston Rockets during the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 25, 2018 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. 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 Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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Despite the circus surrounding the Minnesota Timberwolves and their handling of Jimmy Butler’s trade request, basketball remains to be played. Here’s what you should reasonably expect once the games get underway in 2018-19.

Oh boy. We’re coming up on two weeks since Jimmy Butler informed the Minnesota Timberwolves that he wanted to be traded, yet somehow nothing has been resolved. In that span of time, the only thing the Timberwolves have accomplished is reminding the NBA world just how poorly run the franchise is.

All the promise of last year’s playoff appearance and scorching play when Jimmy Butler, Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins shared the floor has soured, and with the Western Conference again in top form, making the playoffs will be an uphill battle for Minnesota.

It’s sobering that a single player’s trade request can almost completely derail a team’s season, but such is life in the NBA for small-market teams. Jimmy Butler is not long for the Twin Cities, although the wheels will keep turning once he’s gone.

Things are hectic around the team right now, but there is still plenty to play for. Here are five realistic predictions for the 2018-19 season.

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