Los Angeles, October 15: Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Tom Thibodeau expects disgruntled star Jimmy Butler to play their NBA opener against the San Antonio Spurs.
All-Star shooting guard Butler demanded a trade earlier this offseason and missed Minnesota's final preseason game on Friday (October 12).
Butler – who was reportedly close to being dealt to the Miami Heat before the trade collapsed – also challenged staff and team-mates during a tense practice session last week.
However, former Chicago Bulls star Butler is set to face the Spurs on Wednesday (October 17), according to Thibodeau.
“At the end of the day, I just wanna go out there and win basketball games.”
— @JimmyButler pic.twitter.com/0LLNhSivZw
— Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) October 14, 2018
When asked if he expected Butler to suit up against San Antonio, Thibodeau said: "Yes."
Meanwhile, Butler said on Sunday, "At the end of the day, I just wanna go out there and win basketball games."
Butler has been averaging over 15 points per game this preseason, and he averaged 22.2 points per game in 2017-18, but he has made it clear he wants out.