Karl-Anthony Towns isn't immune to all the turmoil enveloping his Timberwolves squad. His coach Tom Thibodeau is likely standing in the way of the team moving past this ugly stalemate. Thibodeau's reluctance to accept one of several trade offers for Jimmy Butler has brought the saga to the lowest point imaginable for a professional organization. No one person should excerpt this much control on team affairs, even a top 15 NBA talent like Jimmy.
Team officials are committed to Wiggins and Towns going forward, while the coach doesn't want to consider the reality they are facing as of right now. Franchise center Karl-Anthony Towns committed himself to the Timberwolves before Jimmy Butler's trade request went public. He signed on for another 5-years for a cumulative contract totaling $190 million that kicks in this season.
After losing 143-121 to Milwaukee in the 'Wolves preseason finale, Karl-Anthony Towns spoke to the press about the negative atmosphere surrounding the team. "We don't got no more time to be here saying, 'Aw, it's OK; it's preseason.' This momentum we're riding right now, this wave we're riding, it's not good. It's not good at all," said Towns who posted a stat line bearing eight points on 2-of-9 shooting on the night.
Towns didn't push the discussion any further, even coach Tom Thibodeau downplayed the distraction caused by Jimmy Butler, although in reality, we all know the 'Wolves will suffer on and off-the-court until Butler is dealt, and thus sequestered from the team.