Wiggins on Butler: 'We've always been cool'

Despite rumors that friction between Andrew Wiggins and Minnesota Timberwolves wing-mate Jimmy Butler contributed to the latter's decision to pursue a trade, Wiggins insists the focus on their relationship has been blown out of proportion.

"We've always been cool," Wiggins said at practice Wednesday, according to Sportsnet's Michael Grange. "Even after all that stuff happened this summer, from what people made is seem like, nothing happened. We always cool. Even the first time I seen him during training camp and we talked, there was never no problem.

"People on social media make things bigger than what it is," Wiggins continued. "From the inside looking out, we know it's not that bigger than what it is. From the inside looking out, we know it's not that big, but from outside it looks like, 'Oh, something big is going on,' but it ain't nothing."

The rumors were partly fueled by comments from Wiggins' brother Nick, who tweeted his elation after news first broke that Butler had requested a trade from Minnesota.

However, with Butler still on the roster and no trade imminent, Wiggins showed support for his disgruntled teammate in the lead-up to opening day.

"All I know is, when we start playing the real games, Jimmy is someone you want on your team," Wiggins said at the time, according to the Star Tribune's Kent Youngblood. "At the end of the day, people can say what they want to say."