The Jimmy Butler saga in Minnesota got all the more dramatic and tense this week, with ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reporting that he had a heated return to practice with the team on Wednesday.

Butler reportedly challenged his teammates and told GM Scott Layden "You (expletive), need me, Scott. You can't win without me." He also called teammate Karl-Anthony Towns "soft," and reportedly called a players-only meeting, though Jeff Teague denied that it took place.

While many NBA fans and pundits have been critical of Butler's actions, Oklahoma City Thunder star Paul George defended the disgruntled four-time All-Star. Via ESPN's Royce Young, George said "Jimmy has a very added point," and said he was on "Jimmy's side."

Butler rejected a four-year contract extension worth $110 million earlier this summer and met with management to request a trade three weeks ago. Though head coach and president Tom Thibodeau reportedly isn't keen on trading Butler, Wojnarowski reported that owner Glen Taylor wants a deal and let teams know they can contact him about a deal.

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Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

It was initially reported by Wojnarowski that Butler sought a trade to either the Brooklyn Nets, New York Knicks or Los Angeles Clippers - since all three teams have the cap space to hand him the super max contract. However, the Miami Heat and Houston Rockets have been more active in Butler trade talks lately.

Marc Stein of the New York Times reported that a trade with Miami fell through last weekend; they offered Josh Richardson and a first-round pick for the four-time All-Star, but Minnesota wouldn't take it.

The Timberwolves kick off their season next Wednesday in a road contest against the San Antonio Spurs. Butler made it clear he's not staying with Minnesota beyond next season, so the front office has little choice but to honor his trade request, and the sooner the better.

Otherwise, the team will have more distractions and drama on and off the court as they try to punch their ticket to the postseason for a second consecutive year.

NEXT: JIMMY BUTLER TRADE UPDATE: TIMBERWOLVES GIVEN SHORTLIST OF TEAMS HE WANTS TO GO TO