TORONTO _ It took a canoe trip for an ESPN segment called "Hang Time," and the former Bulls guard made some waves.
Asked by host Sam Alipour why the Bulls would have made him available, he replied: "I probably went about a lot of things the wrong way. People don't work as hard as I do and they don't expect the same things out of the game that I do. And that's my fault and I've learned from that.
"I said from the beginning that it was either going to be me or the Fred Hoiberg route. And, rightfully so, they took Fred. Good for them. I have that game marked on my calendar. February 9, baby, I'm back."
While it's true that Hoiberg had more years left on his deal, Bulls officials would say they moved Butler as part of a rebuild, not a power struggle with its young coach.
The Bulls lost an All-Star in his prime to the Timberwolves but received Zach LaVine, Kris Dunn and the ability to move up to take Lauri Markkannen in the draft.
After a canoe ride on a lake in Minnesota, Butler said during the five-minute video that Minnesota coach Tom Thibodeau has changed, somewhat.
"I think he has added the 'people' aspect of it," Butler said. "Now he's coming in, laughing and joking around a little bit. He's asking: Hey, how's your wife? How are your kids? That's big because you have to understand that basketball is not the most important thing in my life and he's starting to realize that."
What did Butler think of Thibodeau in the early part of his career?
"Couldn't stand him," Butler said. "I never use the word 'hate' but he was right there ... right there on my list because he never played. Finally my time presented itself and I got to play and I got a little bit of: 'What's up, Jimmy?' Whoa, Thibs just spoke to me. I'm moving up!"
The Timberwolves are 7-3, winners of five straight.
"I want to win a championship," Butler said. "That's the only reason why I play this game."
