With the NBA season less than two weeks away, Jimmy Butler remains a member of the Minnesota Timberwolves, despite his trade request.
Butler had reportedly told the Wolves that his preferred destination was the Miami Heat, however today news emerged that negotiations between the two teams had stalled.
The 29-year-old has not reported to training camp and was excused from media day, leading many to question what would happen on opening night. According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Butler has no plans to miss any games, as long as his wrist is healthy.
Sources: Barring a trade, Tom Thibodeau is still determined to get Butler back with the team for start of season. Butler hasn't made a final decision on when he'll join team and practice, but he doesn't plan to miss regular season games if his wrist is healthy. https://t.co/iQypvZ88ad
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 4, 2018
Butler underwent successful elective surgery on his right hand at the end of July, however, the procedure did not sideline him from any basketball activities.
While plenty of teams were reportedly interested in acquiring Butler, the market appears to have cooled off, with the Heat the team making the strongest push to get a deal done before the season.
They will be banking on Butler's strained relationship with young stars Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins forcing the Wolves' hand, however as Woj noted, head coach Tom Thibodeau is 'still determined to' have BUtler on the team this season.
Butler averaged 22.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 2.0 steals in 59 games for the Timberwolves last season.