After playing 36 minutes Friday night, Minnesota Timberwolves small forward Jimmy Butler won't play Saturday against the Dallas Mavericks for precautionary rest.
Butler didn't play at all during the preseason after being away from the team due to his trade request. The four-time All-Star scored 33 points versus the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday and helped the Timberwolves earn their first win of the season.
Minnesota has decided to rest Jimmy Butler tonight in Dallas … second night of a back-to-back
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) October 20, 2018
The Timberwolves will likely start Derrick Rose at the shooting guard spot. Rose started in place of Butler during the preseason. Rookie guard Josh Okogie will see some playing time as well.
Butler, who requested a trade almost six weeks ago, had a strange evening Friday. He was booed during the starting lineups and when he touched the ball to begin the game. Those jeers, however, turned into MVP chants after the swingman started to pile up the points. Butler shot 10-of-12 from the field and 12-of-12 from the free-throw line. He also recorded seven rebounds, three assists and four steals to along with his 33 points.
Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor has reportedly told Jimmy Butler he will continue to look for a trade. In the meantime, Taylor expects Butler to play hard and be a good teammate, something the 29-year-old Texas native has agreed to.
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