After two drama-filled days that included Jimmy Butler's confrontational return to Timberwolves practice Wednesday and more soap opera fodder Thursday, Friday might be a lot quieter.
Butler was not with the Timberwolves in Milwaukee as they prepared for their final preseason game, head coach Tom Thibodeau confirmed Friday morning at shootaround.
The official reason given by Thibodeau is that Butler stayed in Minneapolis to "work on his conditioning."
In practice Wednesday, Butler reportedly directed his frustration at Wolves General Manager Scott Layden, delivering an expletive-laced message about how the team can’t win without him.
He also had a confrontation with Karl-Anthony Towns, whom Butler has criticized, along with teammate Andrew Wiggins, for not working hard enough to fulfill his potential.