Butler misses T-Wolves shoot around amid trade-demand drama

MILWAUKEE — Jimmy Butler was absent as the Minnesota Timberwolves wrapped up preparations for their preseason finale Friday night.

Butler has demanded a trade but returned to practice with the team Wednesday, a session that included him verbally challenging teammates and coaches. He was not with the team at Friday’s shoot around in Milwaukee.

Coach Tom Thibodeau, speaking publicly for the first time since Wednesday’s practice, said Butler was doing conditioning work in Minneapolis and had not been suspended.

Asked if Butler would play in Minnesota’s regular-season opener at San Antonio next Wednesday, Thibodeau said: “The situation remains fluid.”

Butler told ESPN following Wednesday’s practice that his issues with the Timberwolves have not been fixed.

Asked if he was pleased with the practice, Thibodeau said: “You’re never pleased with practice. You’re always striving for it to be as good as possible.”

Thibodeau said he would not comment on Butler’s reported criticism of Towns and Wiggins. He acknowledged his team would have to deal with the constant media attention over the situation and whether Butler will be traded.

Butler was brought to Minnesota prior to last season to reunite with Thibodeau, the former Bulls coach, and bring leadership to a young team. The Timberwolves reached the playoffs last season and lost to Houston in the first round.

“The biggest job of a leader, in my eyes, is to unite and inspire,” Thibodeau said. “It’s OK to confront, that’s not an issue. But if you do confront, don’t beat down.”