Jimmy Butler caused mass confusion around the NBA on Tuesday night when a report came out that the Minnesota forward was considering sitting out during Wednesday’s game against the Utah Jazz.
The star Timberwolves player will reportedly sit out for an unknown period of time because he wants to be traded out of Minnesota. (RELATED: Is This The Most Electric Basketball Fight In All Of Human History? [WATCH])
CHICAGO, IL – JANUARY 02: Jimmy Butler #21 of the Chicago Bulls puts up a shot past Spencer Hawes #00 of the Charlotte Hornets on his way to a game-high 52 points at the United Center on January 2, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the Hornets 118-111. The NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
“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, an NBA reporter for The Athletic, wrote on Twitter.
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
The decision comes as Butler began considering sitting out on Tuesday night due to what may be lingering soreness or injury.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – APRIL 11: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves drives to the basket against Wilson Chandler #21 of the Denver Nuggets during the second quarter of the game on April 11, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
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
Although he cited “general soreness” as his reason for sitting out, pretty much everyone in the NBA knows he just wants to get out of Minnesota.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski believes Butler will be traded by Thanksgiving. But it’s still not clear where he wants to be.
One thing’s for sure. It probably won’t be Houston.
The Rockets offered the Timberwolves four first round picks for Butler but the team declined. For now, we’re just going to have to sit tight and watch it unfold.