“Call Rachel Nichols, n***ga!” – LEAKED audio from 2021 of trash talk between Jimmy Butler and Karl-Anthony Towns goes viral

Jimmy Butler and Karl-Anthony Towns has an extensive history that dates back to 2018.

“Call Rachel Nichols, n***ga!” – LEAKED audio from 2021 of trash talk between Jimmy Butler and Karl-Anthony Towns goes viral

Karl-Anthony Towns and Jimmy Butler

Two NBA stars, Jimmy Butler and Karl-Anthony Towns, made headlines for all the unwanted reasons lately. Notably, the duo were involved in a trash-talk during their game in 2021. The leaked audio of their trash-talk went viral after three years. Interestingly, before that, Bulter and Towns had a fallout during the pair’s time with the Timberwolves.

This sequence of events led Butler to give an interview with NBA reporter Rachel Nichols, where he criticized Towns. This rocky relationship eventually led to Butler’s trade to the Philadelphia 76ers. Towns and Butler’s relationship remains difficult even after years have passed, with Butler finding some success with the Miami Heat.

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In the leaked audio making rounds on the internet, Butler criticized Towns at the end of the game. The Heat star called him “soft as baby sh*t” and “a loser.” Towns then bit back towards Butler, telling him to “call Rachel Nichols, n***a” in a swipe towards Butler regarding the Nichols’ interview. Butler then ended the trash talk with a sensational line.

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You’re a loser… I already punked you once.
Jimmy Butler via leaked audio of Timberwolves vs. Heat game in 2021

On the contrary, Butler and Towns endured poor seasons with their respective sides in the NBA. The Miami Heat underperformed as per their standards in the ECF. As for the Timberwolves, Towns and his side were knocked out by the Dallas Mavericks in the WCF Finals. Nevertheless, the beef has now subsided.

Karl-Anthony Towns sheds light on beef with Jimmy Butler

Jimmy Butler of the Miami Heat once played for the Minnesota Timberwolves, but it did not work well for him there. Also, the then Timberwolves’ rookie Karl-Anthony Towns was involved in a fierce altercation with Butler during a practice session back in 2018.

Furthermore, Butler ranted at the then-president of basketball operations and head coach Tom Thibodeau, general manager Scott Layden, and others including Towns as well. Notably, Towns shed some light on the 2018 scene and the current relationship between him and Butler on Paul George’s podcast.

We had our differences, but we've seen each other at All-Stars, and we've talked. I've asked how his family was; he's asked how my family was. I think we're at a cool spot.
Karl-Anthony Towns via Podcast P with Paul George

It’s interesting to note that, following the Butler trade, the Wolves spent three seasons without making the playoffs before losing in the first round each of the last two years. However, the Timberwolves performed well in the 2023-24 NBA season and will hope to go all the way in the upcoming NBA season.

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