With Jimmy Frustrated, Andrew Wiggins’ Time in Minnesota May be Up

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Andrew Wiggins #22 and Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves block a shot by Eric Gordon #10 of the Houston Rockets during the fourth quarter in Game Three of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 21, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated 121-105. (April 20, 2018 - Source: Hannah Foslien/Getty Images North America)

Before breaking down the most recent Minnesota Timberwolves’ reports, I’d like to give a quick shout-out to 26-year-old superstar, Kawhi Leonard.

If it weren’t for the rumors confirmation that Leonard “wants out” from San Antonio, this report from the Sporting News’ Sean Deveney would have been blown even further out of proportion:

In this piece, Sean Deveney starts by patting the Timberwolves on the back for their recent progress, before moving to the topic of Karl-Anthony Towns.

Despite Brian Windhorst’s previous suggestion that Towns may be traded to Bean-Town, Deveney takes the more popular opinion that KAT is “too talented to be traded.”

via GIPHY

From there, the topic shifts to the other 2/3 of Minnesota’s “Big Three”. According to Sporting News, like your cocktails during this aggressively warm weekend, Jimmy Butler and Andrew Wiggins’ relationship is on the rocks:

This behind-the-curtain look should come as no surprise to Wolves’ fans who have been paying attention.

Jimmy Butler is an absolute grinder and that’s a secret to no one. The Tomball, Texas native made it to the NBA against incredible odds. Once in the league, the 30th overall pick in the 2011 draft transformed himself into a superstar via the same absurd work ethic that got him there. On top of different NBA upbringings and mentalities, Butler also came out MULTIPLE times last season and questioned the mentality of unnamed teammates. He didn’t really need to name them…

Mr. Buckets has done this dance with teammates before (2015):

Jimmy’s well-documented mindset of always giving 110% isn’t the only thing making the fallout reports with Andrew believable. Let’s remember, the Timberwolves aren’t far removed from reports of Andrew Wiggins’ unhappiness with his current role in the organization.

As explained in our piece from over a month ago, Wiggins greatest asset is his offensive prowess. While this part of one’s game would make Wiggins stand out positively on a lot of NBA teams (including the T-Wolves earlier in his career), when partnered with KAT and Butler…. well this headline says it best:

Minnesota’s two reigning All-Stars demand (rightfully) their fair share of field goal attempts. Jimmy is a proven NBA baller on both sides of the court and KAT is one of the best offensive weapons in the world. And let’s not forget, both KAT and Butler have contract extensions on the table. Glen Taylor, Thibodeau, & Co. need to do everything in their power to ensure those all-important agreements are reached.

For those reasons, if the sometimes-lackadaisical Wiggins doesn’t want to attend a “come to Jesus grit” meeting, and that makes Jimmy unhappy, it’s time for an immediate full court press to trade the Canadian-born baller.

Securing and satisfying Minnesota’s other two top-tier players is a much more important priority.

Sidebar: Do you think trader Rick Spielman has a minute? We could use his assistance. 

In closing, Deveney’s article also touches on the beloved Minnesota native, Tyus Jones. Apparently, he was going to request out of his home-state, when he heard that Derrick Rose may be returning. That wouldn’t have finally caused the mob to start marching to Target Center with torches and pitchforks, would it? Well, before you buy your lighter fluid…

R-E-L-A-X:

Johnny Minnesota (@TheJohnnyMN)
MinnesotaSportsFan.com

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