Tom Thibodeau is putting his best foot forward in an effort to smooth things over with Jimmy Butler.
The Minnesota Timberwolves president and head coach reportedly reached out to the 29-year-old All-Star on Monday with the hope he could convince Butler to rejoin the team during the preseason, league sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
Unfortunately for Thibodeau, Butler was reportedly unwavering in his stance, sources told The Athletic's Jon Krawczynski.
Thibodeau told reporters during Minnesota's media day on Monday that Butler - who was excused from participating - would be back with his teammates in a week's time if a trade had yet to be consummated.
He added the Timberwolves won't be pressured into making a move and they'd only pull the trigger on a trade if it made sense for the franchise.
Butler has already informed the team that he won't take the floor during training camp, according to Krawczynski, which explains why Thibodeau was gunning for a preseason return.
Minnesota's preseason slate kicks off on Saturday at Oracle Arena against the reigning champion Golden State Warriors.
