Jimmy Butler is still with the Minnesota Timberwolves although the disgruntled NBA player sat out the team's game against the Utah Jazz. Said to be a "precautionary test", the T-Wolves still won 128-125, with Derrick Rose exploding for a game-high 50 points.
At this point, all of Butler's movements will be on the radar. Sitting out that game raises speculations - including one that suggests that it is a silent protest since his trade demands have not yet been met. Looking at it differently, it may be the T-Wolves' way of preserving Butler and sparing him from an injury that could snuff any potential trade, ESPN said.
Also sitting out was Jeff Teague who was ruled out with a sore knee. With the rotation of coach Tom Thibodeau missing key figures, others needed to step up. It was a throwback game for Rose although the team also got 19 points from Andrew Wiggins, ESPN said.
Case in point, the Wolves showed they can manage to win without key players. The Butler issue continues to hound Minnesota although one has to wonder what the team can do once everything is settled.
So far, the Houston Rockets were the last team to express interest in Butler. They offered four first-round picks for the NBA swingman but the T-Wolves reportedly want Eric Gordon included in the package - someone who can beef up the backcourt rotation of coach Thibodeau.
At 3-4, critics believe the T-Wolves can do better. They are struggling and the belief is that Butler may be dealt before or by Thanksgiving at the latest, the Bleacher Report said.
Butler does have the talent that any NBA team can use. However, there are questions on the potential disruption of team chemistry he carries. His tantrums right now are not helping, likely one point that has forced teams to stay mum. The attitude factor also plays a part when it comes to adding a player, something that could get out of hand if not addressed in the right manner.
For now, the T-Wolves can opt to use Butler or keep him in cold storage. But with Minnesota able to find ways to win by bringing out the best on other players in their roster, team owner Glen Taylor and coach Thibodeau may want to look at offers on the table and instead get a player they can actually use. That player could be a vital piece, not to mention someone who is worth paying rather than someone who wants to strut his wares elsewhere.
