The Minnesota Timberwolves confirmed that All-Star Jimmy Butler will sit out the team's matchup against the Utah Jazz on Wednesday. But while Tom Thibodeau referred to the reasoning as “general soreness” and said it had nothing to do with Butler's trade request, that's reportedly not true.
Jimmy Butler is taking next step in six-week-long process aimed at getting the All-Star out of Minnesota by sitting tonight against Utah, and could lead to extended absence for Butler, league sources tell me and @JonKrawczynski.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 31, 2018
Butler started contemplating not playing tonight on Tuesday, and the final decision was made Wednesday morning, sources tell me and @JonKrawczynski. Timberwolves termed it "general soreness and precautionary rest,” but Butler informed Tom Thibodeau of his decision.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 31, 2018
Jimmy Butler requested a trade over six weeks ago, but the Timberwolves didn't find a deal to their liking before the regular season began. The swingman returned to the team and made a scene, but he pledged to play and has played well when he has taken the court.
Despite the bizarre situation he has put himself in, Butler is putting up 22.5 points on 50.5 percent shooting, 2.0 3-pointers, 5.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, a career-best 3.0 steals, and 1.3 blocks in six appearances for Minnesota.
However, after outdueling LeBron James in a win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night, Butler seems to have had enough of playing. He's trying to force the Timberwolves' hand into making a trade with this latest stunt.
Minnesota should be desperate to resolve the Butler situation and move on from all the early-season drama. He may be an outstanding player who can help the Timberwolves win games, which is what Thibodeau cares about most, but at some point enough is enough and a deal should get done.
With suitors like the Houston Rockets struggling and the Miami Heat meandering along to start the season, perhaps they try to up their offers for Jimmy Butler and Thibodeau finally bites.
In other Timberwolves news, Andrew Wiggins is set to return from a three-game absence, while Jeff Teague is dealing with a knee contusion.
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