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Minnesota Timberwolves: Jimmy Butler may be out indefinitely

By Trey Flynn

DALLAS, TX - NOVEMBER 17: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves at American Airlines Center on November 17, 2017 in Dallas, Texas. 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 Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - NOVEMBER 17: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves at American Airlines Center on November 17, 2017 in Dallas, Texas. 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 Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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In a six-week stand off between Minnesota Timberwolves’ Jimmy Butler and Tom Thibodeau, there may finally be a deal happening over the next few days.

After a slow start to the season for the Minnesota Timberwolves and their star Karl-Anthony Towns, news just broke illustrating Jimmy Butler’s future in the lineup.

The Athletics’ Jon Krawczynski and Shams Charania report that Jimmy Butler informed the Minnesota Timberwolves’ head coach Tom Thibodeau and the coaching staff that he will not be suiting up tonight against the Utah Jazz:

"Via, Twitter“Thibs says Jimmy Butler is out tonight with “general soreness.” Teague also out …Jimmy Butler is taking the next step in a 6-week long process aimed at getting the All-Star out of Minnesota by sitting tonight against Utah and it could lead to an extended absence, league sources tell me …Butler started contemplating not playing on Tuesday night and made the final decision on Weds. mornings sources tell me and @ShamsCharania. Wolves termed it”general soreness and precautionary rest” but Butler informed Thibodeau this morning.”"

While this could just be another injury-riddled Jimmy Butler situation, there is a possibility that Butler could be traded in the next few days.

The first three teams that come to mind in a potential trade are the Houston Rockets, Miami Heat, and the Philadelphia 76ers.

All playing poorly at the moment, with the Heat starting the season at 3-4, 76ers at 4-4, and the Rockets with an underwhelming start at 1-5. Each of these teams could use the 4-time All-Star in their rosters right away, especially with Butler playing like an All-NBA type player throughout the first few games of the season.

Jimmy Butler in six games this season has a monstrous stat line of 22.5 PPG, 5.3 TRB, 3.3 AST, shooting 50.3 percent from the field and 48 percent from downtown.

While the Rockets seem like the more obvious potential beneficiary of Butler’s talents in an upcoming trade with their alleged offer of four first round picks, it’s important to note that this Butler news comes on the first day off of a three day break for the Miami Heat – which will be their longest break of the season thus far.

Moreover, the Philadelphia 76ers could be the most interesting potential trade to be made, as they have been really popular as of late but aren’t exactly seeing the early season outcome most of their fans and analysts were expecting of them during the preseason.

While all of this could be coincidental, it’s definitely pressing news – especially when being delivered by Charania and Krawcyznski – but it’s also confusing news.

Next. 3 things to watch for vs. Lakers. dark

As the Timberwolves look to play the Utah Jazz tonight, you can expect a huge game from Karl-Anthony Towns – who has proven to play extremely well when Jimmy Butler is off the court. I would also expect that a deal sending Jimmy Butler to one of my previously noted teams above will happen over the next few days.

There aren’t any sources reporting that a move will happen this soon, but something obviously needs to be done after an embarrassing loss to the Milwaukee Bucks over the weekend where we saw every player not named Taj Gibson look like they were unfit to play in the NBA.