NBA: 10 STRORYLINES TO WATCH IN TRAINING CAMP

JIMMY BUTLER

As media days were ending Monday, Jimmy Butler was still with the Minnesota Timberwolves. It’s likely temporary. The first big saga of the 2018-19 season is Butler and his trade request. “Our job is to seek out the best opportunity for us,” Wolves coach Tom Thibodeau said. “If something’s good for us, then we’re interested in doing it. If not, we’re ready to move forward the other way.” Several teams — including Miami, Cleveland, Brooklyn — have interest, as would be expected when talking about a four-time All-Star. GOLDEN STATE

The Warriors have won three of the last four titles and added DeMarcus Cousins over the summer. But Cousins, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson and more could all be free agents next July 1, meaning Golden State may be changing more than its address (the Warriors are moving into a new arena in 2019) after this season. “The idea is to really focus on how lucky we are to be here together in this era, this time and place,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. “We’re well aware it’s not going to last forever.” WELCOME, ROOKIES

No. 1 overall draft pick Deandre Ayton, above, goes into his rookie season with the Phoenix Suns with a rookie (at least, an NBA rookie) coach in Igor Kokoskov. Suns guard Devin Booker raves about what he’s already learned from Kokoskov, and Ayton is duly impressed. “Coach Igor is a smart coach, a very smart coach,” the Suns’ new center said. “He’s all about fundamentals and really taking your time in the post, taking care of your body and really all about conditioning, as well and studying the game.”