Jimmy Butler is in hostile territory during the Warriors' second-round series with the Timberwolves.
Minnesota fans certainly remember the way things ended between Butler and the team. The six-time All-Star played 75 games for the Timberwolves from 2017-18 before he was traded to the 76ers.
Butler essentially forced his way out of Minnesota over a contract dispute, and things got heated at the end of their relationship. Timberwolves fans let him hear it in pregame introductions before Game 1 on Tuesday, showering him with boos as he took the floor.
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The now-Warriors guard will try to be a thorn in Minnesota's side again as Golden State aims to advance to the Western Conference finals.
Here's what to know about the end of Jimmy Butler's exit from Minnesota.
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Jimmy Butler trade from Timberwolves
The Timberwolves traded Butler to the 76ers on Nov. 12, 2018 after he played slightly less than a full season with the team.
Butler informed Minnesota before the 2018 season began that he would not re-sign with the team the following summer. He requested to be traded to either the Knicks, Nets or Clippers at first.
A now-infamous practice after the trade request showed just how disgruntled Butler had become with the Timberwolves. He aired his grievances during a scrimmage when he teamed up with the reserves to top a group led by Karl-Anthony Towns. Butler exchanged heated words with Towns, and the practice was eventually called off when tempers escalated.
MORE: Jimmy Butler Timberwolves practice, explained: Revisiting fiery tirade that led to trade
Jimmy Butler missed games in Minnesota
Since being traded from Minnesota, Butler has largely avoided playing when his visits Target Center Before Tuesday, It had been 1,260 days since he suited up for a game in the building.
In 2023, when Butler was with the Heat, he blew kisses to the fans at Target Center while he sat on the bench in street clothes. The Timberwolves won that game 106-90.
Jimmy Butler blew kisses to Wolves fans after “Where’s Jimmy” chants 😂 pic.twitter.com/YWJKZJivw5
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 29, 2023
The Minnesota crowd should continue to give an earful to Butler throughout the second-round series. He had 20 points, 11 rebounds and 8 assists in Game 1.
Jimmy Butler with Warriors
Butler has provided the jolt the Warriors needed. Golden State has gone 23-8 since acquiring him on Feb. 7. and navigated its way through the NBA Play-In Tournament to get to the playoffs.
Butler was terrific in the Warriors' previous series with the Rockets, averaging 18.3 points in the six games he played. Here's a closer look at his stats with Golden State this season.
| Season | Age | Team | G | GS | MP | FG% | 3P% | FT% | Ast | Reb | Stl | Blk | Pts |
| 2024-25 | 35 | Golden State | 30 | 30 | 32.7 | .476 | .279 | .870 | 4.3 | 5.3 | 1.6 | 0.3 | 17.9 |
MORE: Why did the Warriors trade for Jimmy Butler?