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Wolves owner: Jimmy Butler will play hard despite trade discussions

NBA, Minnesota Timberwolves

Jimmy Butler will be "a regular team player" until the Minnesota Timberwolves are able to trade him, team owner Glen Taylor said in an interview with the Star Tribune published on Tuesday.

Taylor told the newspaper he met with Butler this week and that going forward, the four-time All-Star will practice daily with the Wolves and give 100 percent in games because that is "the only way he knows how to do it."

Minnesota opens its regular season Wednesday at the San Antonio Spurs.

Butler has made no secret of his desire to be traded by Minnesota. Taylor said the Wolves are still committed to finding the right deal for the veteran guard, who will be a free agent after this season.

"Yes, I think that he's made it very clear that he would not re-sign with us at the end of the year, and therefore, it is in our interest to get a trade so that we can get a player or two to replace him that helps our team," Taylor told the Star Tribune.

Taylor also addressed the job status of Wolves president of basketball operations and coach Tom Thibodeau.

Asked if Thibodeau is coaching for his job, Taylor said, "No, no, the only thing now is that we are starting to play games and I am asking him to concentrate on coaching, and the GM, Scott Layden, will help to see if any trades are available."

Taylor also said he doesn't regret hiring Thibodeau in 2016.

"Yes, yes, he is a good coach and I have faith in him," Taylor told the Star Tribune.

Meanwhile, Wolves legend Kevin Garnett also weighed in on the Minnesota-Butler saga on Tuesday, taking a swipe at Taylor on TNT's pregame show for the opening night of the season.

"I totally understand [Butler]," Garnett said. "I totally get it. And he's dealing with Glen, who doesn't know s--- about basketball. He knows how to make money, but he don't know anything about basketball. I wouldn't say that he's the best basketball mind."

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