The Minnesota Timberwolves will be without All-Star Jimmy Butler tonight as he continues to try and force his way out of the organization. According to Shams Charania, the move is part of Butler's plan to get traded as soon as possible and it could lead to an extended absence beyond tonight's game against the Utah Jazz.
Charania notes that Butler started contemplating not playing tonight on Tuesday, and the final decision was made Wednesday morning, when he informed coach Tom Thibodeau of his decision. That said, the Wolves are explaining Butler's absence for tonight's game as "general soreness and precautionary rest."
In six games this season, Butler leads the Timberwolves with 22.5 points per game, in addition to 5.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 3 steals. The Timberwolves, 3-4, will host the Utah Jazz tonight before embarking on a five-game road trip that includes a trip to Oracle Arena on Friday night, followed by matchups against the Portland Trail Blazers, Los Angeles Clippers, Lakers, and Sacramento Kings.
The Houston Rockets recently made an offer for Butler that included four first-round picks but, according to ESPN’s Malika Andrews, league sources suggest that any potential offer from Houston must also include shooting guard Eric Gordon.
It's anybody's guess if Butler will be available to play when the Timberwolves' five-game road trip begins on Friday, but ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reports, "there’s an expectation" that he will join the team on their flight to the Bay Area.
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