Butler invites scorn from local fans: 'Go ahead, boo me' at home opener Friday

The Minnesota Timberwolves expect Jimmy Butler to play in their season opener against the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday - but that outing comes on the road.

What will the atmosphere be like for the team's first home game - Friday, Oct. 19 versus the Cleveland Cavaliers - after Butler has more or less gaslit the franchise's leadership and core players for the better part of a month? If Butler is still with the team, does he expect a chilly reception from the Timberwolves faithful?

“Sure. Go ahead, boo me," Butler told The Athletic's Jon Krawczynski on Sunday. "It ain't going to change the way I play. That's going to make me smile more. So please, come on with it."

While he waits for the team to acquiesce to his trade demands, Butler has ably played the role of the wrestling heel, pulling no punches with his public comments and reportedly sparring verbally with coach and team president Tom Thibodeau, general manager Scott Layden, and recent top draft picks Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins during practice.