Notable Addition: Josh Okogie

Notable Subtractions: Nemanja Belica, Jamal Crawford

Butler and Towns

This season for the Wolves comes down to their two stars: Jimmy Butler and Karl-Anthony Towns. The Chicago Sun-Times reported that Butler is fed up with Towns’ nonchalant attitude and will not re-sign next offseason. Also, it was rumored by Sporting News that he does not like Andrew Wiggins’ work ethic and defense. Also according to Sporting News, he turned down a 4-year $100 million deal this summer.

Butler’s season should be fascinating. He was an MVP candidate before his meniscus tear in late February. The Wolves went 8-9 in the games he missed after that injury. They won 47 games making the 8th seed. If Butler is healthy and finishes the year in Minnesota, the Wolves should win 50+ games. That is if he finishes the season there.

As for Towns, his defense last year was very hit-and-miss to be kind. He was also quite underwhelming in the playoffs overall. His defense was spotty and averaged just 15 and 10 on a mediocre 54% true shooting percentage. Towns is usually one of the most efficient scorers in the league and if he brings more effort on defense, he can be dominant.

Tom Thibodeau might be on the hot seat if Butler is disgruntled. The noted defensive savant had the Wolves ranked 27th in defensive efficiency. Thibs’ minutes-heavy rotations for his starters has weighed on his teams in the past, which could be the cause of their lackadaisical play on defense. Also, having Andrew Wiggins lead the team in shot attempts when he is one of the least efficient scorers in the game is troublesome coaching.

To conclude that the Wolves’ season is a full of questions mark is an understatement. Do they trade Jimmy Butler? Does Thibs get canned? Is Andrew Wiggins moved? When do they extend Karl-Anthony Towns? Are they a contender out west? These questions beg answers making this season very interesting for the T-Wolves.

Next Up: Team 4