Report: Butler called players-only meeting with T-Wolves

Jimmy Butler called a players-only meeting with his Minnesota Timberwolves teammates Thursday to air his feelings about management and his situation, league sources told The Athletic's Shams Charania.

Butler apparently assured his teammates he would compete despite Wednesday's confrontational practice and his widely reported desire to be traded. Sources said several players spoke up during the meeting, but it was led by Butler.

However, point guard Jeff Teague denied on Twitter that it was a players-only meeting, calling the report "fake news."

Timberwolves team president and head coach Tom Thibodeau reportedly canceled Thursday's practice and media availability after Butler spoke with ESPN's Rachel Nichols on Wednesday about his frustration with the franchise.

Butler reportedly suggested the team trade him during the summer, but his desire to leave Minnesota didn't become public knowledge until after a meeting with Thibodeau in September, when the star guard apparently said he won't re-sign with the Timberwolves next summer and asked to be dealt immediately.

Minnesota went 37-22 last season in games where Butler was available and 10-13 when he didn't play.