Report: Butler to sit vs. Utah, will fly with team ahead of Warriors game

Jimmy Butler confirmed he will fly with the Minnesota Timberwolves to Oakland ahead of Friday's game against the Golden State Warriors. He added that he doesn't want to get injured as he hopes to find a resolution for his trade demands, according to ESPN's Rachel Nichols.

Reports surfaced that Butler may take an extended leave away from the team with hopes that his trade demands will be met, according to The Athletic's Shams Charania and Jon Krawczynski.

Timberwolves team president and head coach Tom Thibodeau earlier announced that Butler was expected to miss Wednesday's contest against the Utah Jazz due to general soreness. It's since been reported that the disgruntled wing made the decision to sit.

Reports leaked of Butler's desire to be traded after he met with Thibodeau to discuss the team's future in September. Butler's expressed his frustration with the franchise and youngsters Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins.

Thibodeau's been hesitant to trade Butler, hoping that the All-Star will set aside his feelings and lead the young Timberwolves to the playoffs for a second consecutive season.

Butler's in the final guaranteed year of his contract and has a player option for 2019-20 worth $19.8 million that he'll almost certainly opt out of, whether he's traded or not. He can sign a five-year deal worth approximately $190 million next summer.