Jimmy Butler has said he will continue to give it his all playing alongside his Minnesota Timberwolves teammates even after demanding a trade, but the star swingman has apparently changed his mind.
Shams Charania and Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic reports that Butler plans to begin sitting out games starting on Wednesday night against the Utah Jazz. While the Timberwolves have said he will miss time with “general soreness and precautionary rest,” the move is aimed at putting more pressure on the team to trade him.
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
Butler has been very open about wanting out of Minnesota, and nothing has changed on that front. He’s averaging 22.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists through six games, but apparently he has decided to take a different course of action.
Timberwolves head coach Tom Thibodeau has tried to convince Butler to change his mind, but it is clear he has had no luck. While one team has reportedly made an offer to Minnesota for Butler, the Wolves are looking for more. By refusing to play, Butler is hoping to force their hand even further.
