After requesting a trade earlier this week, Minnesota Timberwolves shooting guard Jimmy Butler will not be participating in media day with the team this year. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Butler was granted permission by the organization to be absent from Monday's event.

The Athletic's Jon Krawczynski also reports that Butler will not be participating in on-court activities at the beginning of training camp.

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Even if Butler wasn't given permission, it wouldn't have been surprising if he didn't show up anyway. His presence would have created a ton of drama and been a major distraction given his trade request and the reports of friction with Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins.

While Butler has named the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets as preferred destinations, the Los Angeles Clippers are at the top of his list. Butler has been working out out in California gyms in anticipation of a deal being worked out in his favor.

A report came out Friday stating Minnesota's desire to keep Butler around, but it's looking more and more likely that he will be traded in the near future. President and head coach Tom Thibodeau may be resistant to the idea, but owner Glen Taylor has reportedly been telling teams Butler is available.