After missing the whole preseason, Minnesota Timberwolves small forward Jimmy Butler will likely play in shorter segments Wednesday when the team opens its 2018-19 regular season on the road against the San Antonio Spurs.

Timberwolves head coach/president Tom Thibodeau told reporters pregame how he plans to use Butler versus the Spurs. The four-time All-Star will be replaced by former MVP Derrick Rose when he comes to the bench. Rose started for Butler during the exhibition series at the shooting guard spot.

The Timberwolves-Spurs game is going to be must-see TV. Butler is playing with a group of players and for a franchise he doesn't want to be a part of, and everyone knows it. The 29-year-old swingman requested a trade almost five weeks ago. All eyes will be on Butler and how he coexists with big man Karl-Anthony Towns and wing Andrew Wiggins, the two players he reportedly has issues with.

Minnesota's starting lineup will feature Jeff Teague, Butler, Wiggins, Taj Gibson and Towns, the same lineup that guided the Timberwolves to the playoffs last season for the first time in 14 years.

Jimmy Butler reportedly told owner Glen Taylor he will be a good teammate and play his hardest as long as he's on the roster. Meanwhile, Taylor and general manager Scott Layden are still searching for a deal to send Butler out of town.