Minnesota Timberwolves All-Star Jimmy Butler could take an 'extended absence' and won't play Wednesday's game against the Utah Jazz as he continues to await a trade, according to Jon Krawcyznski of The Athletic.
The 29-year-old Butler requested a trade out of Minnesota back in mid-September. Even though owner Glen Taylor said he wanted a trade done with very soon, Butler remains part of the T-Wolves roster, despite being heavily booed at home games and thus leading to a lot of drama in the organization.
This report comes a day after ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski said that he'd be surprised if Butler wasn't traded by Thanksgiving. But it certainly sounds like the Timberwolves are in no rush to move out the disgruntled four-time All-Star.
'Woj' added last week that the Houston Rockets offered four first-round picks for Butler, but colleague Malika Andrews said that Minnesota wants Eric Gordon as part of the return package. So far, there are no indications that the Rockets will meet Minny's high asking price there.
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Marc Stein of the New York Times reported earlier this month that the Miami Heat offered Josh Richardson and a first-round pick for Butler, which the Timberwolves turned down. Trade talks soon fell apart.
There are a couple of red flags for any team that would trade for Butler, which could explain why clubs aren't stepping up their offers. For one, Butler turns 30 next year, so the two-way star may only have a couple prime years left. As Wojnarowski previously noted, teams may be hesitant to give Butler a long-term extension, given his age.
Secondly, Butler can and most certainly will opt out of his contract after this season to test free agency. The cap-strapped Rockets and Heat would need to reshape their respective rosters to be able to afford a long-term Butler extension.
The 29-year-old has waited over a month now, with no trade seemingly in sight. Perhaps this planned 'extended absence' will convince the Minny front office to simply get a trade done with in a timely manner.