In an expansive interview with Glen Taylor on Tuesday, the Timberwolves owner said he has reached an understanding with four-time All-Star Jimmy Butler and will continue trying to trade him.
Taylor said Butler told him he will play to his full ability, as he did last year when he was healthy, and go all out until that trade is made.
There is no doubt Taylor is in a tough position with Butler, who doesn't want to play for the Wolves, and realizes he has no choice but to trade him unless, for some reason, the outstanding guard changes his mind.
Butler met with Taylor this week and they reached an agreement.
"The latest is he is going to be going to practice every day, which he has been, and plans to play in games," said Taylor, who also owns the Star Tribune. "He will be a regular team player. What I said to him in the meantime is our GM, Scott Layden, will be talking to other teams to see if there is a trade that works."
When asked if he believes Butler will give 100 percent, Taylor said there is no question. He added that Butler will be ready for the season opener Wednesday at San Antonio and the home opener against Cleveland on Friday.
"(Butler) said that is the only way he knows how to do it," Taylor said.
Butler came to the Wolves from the Bulls in a draft-night trade in June of 2017, along with the No. 16 draft pick that became center Justin Patton, for Wolves guards Zach LaVine and Kris Dunn and the No. 7 pick the Bulls used to select forward Lauri Markkanen.
Taylor said that as far as he can tell, there is no chance Butler will remain with the Wolves beyond this season.
"That is not part of the plan, but as you know, things can change," Taylor said. "But that is not what we have agreed to."
Is Taylor committed to trading Butler?
"Yes. I think (Butler has) 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 said.
Here's another complicating factor: Butler could command a five-year, $190 million contract after this season.
Taylor already has signed off on two huge contracts for forward Andrew Wiggins, (five years, $147 million beginning this season) and center Karl-Anthony Towns, (five years, $190 million starting next season). Could Taylor pay Butler the $190 million he could attract from another team?
"We would have to make some changes on our team in order to keep Jimmy," Taylor said.
