Jimmy Butler 2019 MVP Odds: Kicking and Screaming Up the Charts

• Jimmy Butler’s MVP odds have shot up after his wild return to the Wolves
• Is there value in selecting the disgruntled wing?
• Find the best value picks as the 2018-19 NBA season tips off

What’s the value in a verbal tirade?

For disgruntled All-Star Jimmy Butler, it may not be a trade to a preferred destination (at least not just yet), but it did better his odds for winning NBA MVP. No, really. Just take a look at the “All” tab in the graph below.

2019 NBA MVP Average Odds

As recently as August, you would have needed a pair of binoculars to find the guy on the board, as he carried close to +10000 average NBA MVP odds.

Now, the Timberwolves star – acquired last season from the Bulls in a deal that sent two previous first round picks Kris Dunn and Zach LaVine and 2017 first rounder (which turned into Finnish sharpshooter Lauri Markannen) the other way – may not be within striking distance, but he’s at least at the front of the line, with a chance to get into the club.

2019 NBA MVP Odds

Angry Glen Taylor considering major changes.His organization has been embarrassed.Jimmy Butler violated trust. pic.twitter.com/z1LzBd0es2

— Larry Fitzgerald Sr. (@FitzBeatSr) October 13, 2018

But head coach Tom Thibodeau was at odds with president of basketball operations Tom Thibodeau. The coach wanted to keep his star player, as they shared a mutual respect dating back to their Chicago days.

As offers came and went, it appeared the president was making the asking price too steep, giving the coach a chance to work through a dysfunctional workplace.

Sources tell SN's @SeanDeveney Tom Thibodeau would rather leave the Timberwolves than rebuild following a Jimmy Butler trade: https://t.co/cKbhKZ2D8x pic.twitter.com/W9lK60J7bd

— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) September 20, 2018

That environment includes a not-so-great rapport with the T’Wolves’ young stars, Karl Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins.

With no deal imminent, Butler showed up to practice and, well, it went down.

"Exclusive" footage of Jimmy Butler returning to Timberwolves practice: pic.twitter.com/b4OT2ZU5BF

— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) October 10, 2018

Jimmy Butler reportedly teamed up the 3rd stringers and beat the starters featuring KAT and Wiggins in a scrimmage at practice today, per @DarthAmin.

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) October 10, 2018

He also had time to spit fire at GM Scott Layden.

At one point in a scrimmage, sources said, Butler turned to GM Scott Layden and screamed, "You (bleeping) need me. You can't win without me." Butler left teammates and coaches largely speechless. He dominated the gym in every way. Jimmy's back.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 10, 2018

The best part? It’s all true, according to Jimmy.

You’ve seen all the tweets & the pull quotes but here is the full interview – @JimmyButler on why things went wrong with the Wolves, when he actually told Tom Thibodeau he wanted out (four days after the season ended), and yes…we’re talking about practice 😂 pic.twitter.com/7I2fMSEhQl

— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) October 11, 2018

For his part, Wiggins is saying the right things, as it appears this marriage will go on for the time being.

Andrew Wiggins on the Jimmy Butler drama:

"All I know is when we start playing the real games, Jimmy is someone you want on your team." pic.twitter.com/vAfm4PZMSy

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) October 14, 2018

KAT? It’s wearing on him. For sure. The season hasn’t even started yet!

Is a Butler Bet Worth the Investment?

For all the bluster, as well as the perfect living definition of “gong show” we’re still not sure if Butler can function as the best player on a contending team.

His last four seasons have been his statistical best, as he’s averaged better than 20 points per game, yet his teams have only reached the second round once.

The thing with MVP is you’ve got to be the best statistical player in the league, or the best player on the best team to be in contention.

The thing with MVP is you’ve got to be the best statistical player in the league, or the best player on the best team to be in contention.

His last season in Chicago: 23.9 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 5.1 apg on 47.7% from the floor and 36.7% from three was his career best. That could be MVP-worthy, only it got the Bulls to the eight seed. His Minny numbers were not that far off, yet it still only pushed the Wolves to an eight seed. Both were first round exits.

Who is Worth the Investment?

I’d shy away from Butler, but if you’re looking for value, Kawhi Leonard (+1200) is potentially the best player in the East, with a team that can do some real business. If you do believe Kevin Durant (+1000) is going out with a bang in Golden State, a regular season MVP would go nicely with his two Finals MVPs (and counting).

Other than that? Stick with the current old reliables: LeBron (+400) and Anthony Davis (+425). Not sexy, but likely.