Minnesota Timberwolves: 3 bold predictions for 2018-19 NBA season

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 David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

2. Jimmy Butler won’t be traded until the deadline

The Jimmy Butler saga has gifted the NBA world one of its weirdest events in league history, a truly remarkable feat given the last few years of antics.

His request may have come at a weird time, but many assumed a deal would get done sooner rather than later in order for the Wolves to fully prepare for the upcoming season.

It’s been nearly a month, and due to the stubbornness of one Tom Thibodeau, Butler remains on the roster and is likely to suit up opening night against the San Antonio Spurs this coming Wednesday.

He may be facing pressure from owner Glen Taylor to get a deal done, but as someone who coached Butler for four seasons with the Chicago Bulls, Thibs would rather not trade one of his favorite players he acquired just two summers ago for a package that won’t come close to equal value.

As mentioned just before, Butler is expected to play for Minnesota this season, calming the situation just a bit, but facts are facts. Jimmy doesn’t want to be with this organization, leaving only so much time until they lose him for nothing.

It’s clear Thibodeau will try to mend the relationship as best he can, but it likely won’t be enough, forcing the team president to make a deal at the last possible moment.

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