When the Timberwolves acquired Jimmy Butler through a draft night trade with the Chicago Bulls, the initial reaction of most NBA savants included some surprise. There were a lot of hurdles that needed to be cleared by Wolves Head Coach and President of Basketball Operations Tom Thibodeau in order for this landmark deal to be completed. First Thibodeau needed to be willing to move on from three promising young prospects, including the 1st, first-round draft pick he made at the helm in Minnesota (Kris Dunn). Thibs also needed to convince his former employers – with whom he had an ugly breakup – to not only sit down at the negotiating table, but to be willing to relinquish the face of their franchise.
A Deep Dive into the Development of Justin Patton - The Timberwolves’ 2017 First Round Pick
