With training camp right around the corner, the Timberwolves are seemingly in near disarray. Karl Anthony Towns still has not signed his contract extension. Jimmy Butler openly criticized his teammates for their lack of professionalism and work ethic. Now he and Coach Thibodeau will meet early next week to discuss the ’18-’19 season. While it doesn’t appear that Butler’s impending free agency next summer will be a topic of discussion, that will definitely be looming over the Timberwolves for the entire season.
With all this happening, it now appears that the team might be considering firing Tom Thibodeau as well. This would not bode well for Minnesota’s recent rebuilding efforts as it looks like two essential pieces will be gone by next year. The rumored discord within the franchise and the almost certain inevitability of Jimmy Butler leaving via free agency does not do much to encourage GM Scott Layden to keep Thibodeau on as head coach and president of basketball operations.
Only time will tell what happens but as of now, the Timberwolves might be headed back down into the NBA cellar just as quickly as it seemed they were climbing out of it.