Karl-Anthony Towns’ absence in the Minnesota Timberwolves game against the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday sparked unexpected controversy when Warriors forward Draymond Green made a bold claim on his podcast. Green suggested that Towns deliberately sat out to avoid facing his former teammate, Jimmy Butler.
However, by Thursday, Green had to confront reporters regarding his podcast remarks. It was revealed that Towns’ absence was not due to any basketball-related reason but rather a personal family matter. Upon learning this, Green addressed the situation with a message of sympathy.
“Oh, man. That’s unfortunate. I’m sorry to hear that. That sucks. But my comments that I made, was that ‘people I heard was this. And that’s what I heard.’ So I do send my well wishes to him and his family. You know, none of us. It’s inevitable. We all experience death in one way or another, and we’ll all experience it in the same way one day. So it’s unfortunate,” Green said.
Q "You seen reaction to your KAT comments [that he ducked game v Warriors]? Were you aware of circumstances?"
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) March 7, 2025
Draymond "No"
Q "He was at funeral for family friend"
Draymond "Oh man…But what I heard was…what I heard…I send well wishes…but the Draymond Green Show will go on" pic.twitter.com/jy0RICbUvv
KAT and Butler were teammates on the Timberwolves for just over a season before Butler forced his way out, citing dissatisfaction with the team’s culture. Butler played only ten games in the 2018-19 season before being traded to the Philadelphia 76ers.
ESPN Analyst Slams Draymond Green For His Controversial Take
While Draymond Green did offer condolences, his response brought much criticism. ESPN analyst Myron Medcalf took to X to call out Green’s handling of the situation, arguing that his response lacked true remorse.
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“Hey fellas. I’m not trying to be a life coach but I will say this: Let’s normalize genuine apologies. Because that’s what should have happened here. Draymond stepped way over the line about KAT. But he seems incapable of revealing anything that might look like remorse or empathy,” Medcalf wrote.
The Warriors are set to play the New York Knicks on Saturday. With Green often in the spotlight, it wouldn’t be surprising if more discussions about his remarks arose.
