Taylor: Thibodeau's job not in jeopardy as T-Wolves seek Butler trade

The Minnesota Timberwolves are continuing to seek a trade partner for disgruntled All-Star Jimmy Butler, but head coach and team president Tom Thibodeau's job is safe, according to T-Wolves owner Glen Taylor.

"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 told the StarTribune's Sid Hartman when asked if Thibodeau is coaching for his job.

Butler reportedly met with Thibodeau on multiple occasions to stress that he wants out of Minnesota, yet no deal has materialized. A trade with the Miami Heat was reportedly near completion until Thibodeau asked for an extra first-round draft pick at the last minute, leading Miami to nix the agreement.

"Well I’m OK with it," Taylor said of Thibodeau's handling of the situation. "Initially, when Butler told him that he wanted to leave, you know Tom did everything he could to try to keep Jimmy here and I understand that. They have a close relationship.

"Thibs brought him here so that he would stay here, but eventually I think that listening to Jimmy, Thibs and I are lined up on this. We need to be looking at a trade."

Thibodeau has three years remaining on a five-year, $40-million contract he signed in 2016.

Related - Report: Wolves owner tells Butler he'll continue to 'diligently' seek trade

For the time being, Butler's told Taylor and the rest of the organization that he'll be a team player and be ready for both practices and games until a trade takes place.

"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 added.

Minnesota will open the 2018-19 regular season on the road Wednesday against the San Antonio Spurs.