Draymond Green throws big shot at former Kentucky basketball great KAT
Draymond Green has never been one to hold back his thoughts, and his latest comments about former Kentucky Wildcat Karl-Anthony Towns have ignited another round of NBA drama. The Golden State Warriors’ outspoken forward speculated on why Towns missed Tuesday’s game at Madison Square Garden against the Warriors, and his take quickly made waves across the league.
Towns, now a New York Knick after a blockbuster trade ahead of the 2024-25 season(one that sent another former Kentucky star Julius Randle to Minnesota), was ruled out of Tuesday’s game due to “personal reasons.” Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau later indicated that Towns might also miss the team’s upcoming West Coast road trip. However, Green said he had “heard” that Towns’ absence was about avoiding Jimmy Butler.
On The Draymond Green Show, Green stated, “Some would say he didn’t play because Jimmy (Butler) was in the building, I don’t know.” While Green insisted he wasn’t spreading rumors, his words quickly gained traction, especially on social media and sports shows like First Take.
However, it was later revealed that Towns missed the game to attend a funeral for a close family friend of his girlfriend. By the time the truth surfaced, Green’s speculation had already taken off, making his comments seem even more reckless in hindsight.
Revisiting the Towns/Butler Saga
For those unfamiliar with the long-standing tension between Towns and Butler, the rift dates back to their time as teammates on the Minnesota Timberwolves during the 2017-18 season. After being acquired by Minnesota, Butler famously clashed with Towns in a fiery practice session, reportedly taking a group of reserves and dominating a team led by Towns and Andrew Wiggins. The situation escalated, practice was shut down, and Butler soon forced his way out, landing in Philadelphia.
