Butler on boos: 'I think people kind of love to hate me'

Timberwolves guard Jimmy Butler took the floor in Minnesota for the first time since his trade demand and was showered with unwelcoming boos by frustrated fans.

He clearly didn't mind, as the disgruntled star finished with 33 points on just 12 shots en route to a 131-123 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

"I love it. I love it," Butler said, according to ESPN's Brian Windhorst. "I think people kind of love to hate me sometimes. Say whatever you want to say, but it really makes me smile, what people think about me. But no matter what, you gotta respect my effort."

Butler added: "You may not like me - that's OK. But as long as you know that my mind and my heart are in the right place, that I do everything to win and I would do anything for my guys."

Butler rejoined the team last week after a temporary holdout and made headlines during a heated practice where the All-Star reportedly targeted teammates Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins. He also yelled to general manager Scott Layden during a scrimmage, "You (bleeping) need me. You can't win without me."

Trade rumors have recently cooled after Butler was reportedly almost dealt to the Miami Heat before team president and head coach Tom Thibodeau upped the asking price last minute.