Jimmy Butler disses Minnesota ahead of play-in

But Butler exited Minnesota acrimoniously that fall, after dissatisfaction with his teammates' "nonchalant attitudes" and the Wolves' reluctance to give him a maximum contract extension. Now, he pretends like that season never happened.

When reporters asked Butler if he thought that the exciting Nuggets-Timberwolves game from 2018 inspired the league's new play-in tournament, Butler dismissed the idea.

"You're going to ask me about Minnesota of all places?" Butler queried reporters. 

It was a strange two years for Butler, who said he was "blindsided" by the trade that sent him to Minnesota from Chicago. He then came a four-bounce Kawhi Leonard buzzer-beater from taking the Raptors to an overtime Game 7 with the Philadelphia 76ers, before finding a long-term home with the Heat, where he went to the NBA Finals in 2020.

Minnesota is now an afterthought, even after Butler's memorable departure, where he challenged all his teammates, coaches and team executives at a team practice that led to his trade to the Sixers.

Now, Butler and his old team are both in the play-in Tuesday night. We have a feeling Butler won't be calling Karl-Anthony Towns to wish him luck.