November 11, 2024 at 5:44 pm CST by Dana Gauruder
Jimmy Butler will miss his second straight game and that heat NBA Cup opener in Detroit on Tuesday, Ira Winderman of the Sun Sentinel Tweets. Butler, who hasn't played in more than 65 regular-season games in the last six seasons due to various injuries, is dealing with a sprained ankle. Butler has a $52.4 million player option after this season and Miami's front office is hesitant to talk about an extension because of his injury history.
We have more from the Southeast Division:
- Kyle Kuzma Josh Robbins of The Athletic is back in action Monday after missing the last five games with a groin strain Tweets. Before the injury, he was averaging 17 on 32.7 percent shooting in three games. The wizard lost their four games without him.
- Trae Young played more with the ball to achieve this Hawks offense less predictable, noisy Jared Weiss of The Athletic. “When I’m not at the ball, the guys are worried about me and connected to me and my body.” Young said. “This gives teammates a lot of freedom for themselves and others.” Now it's up to his teammates to make it happen. “We’re not always waiting for Trae to create for everyone, but for him to learn to create for each other.” Bogdan Bogdanović said. “So he will continue to do what he does best. But we need to come together and raise that creative level as a team.” Young is out for Tuesday's game against Boston due to Brad Rowland's right Achilles tendonitis Tweets.
- Larry Nance Jr. could be an attractive trade candidate, Sam Vecenie of The Athletic Tweets. The experienced striker was a valuable reserve for the Hawks after being included in the blockbuster trade that was sent Dejounte Murray to New Orleans. Nance, playing on his fifth team, has an expiring $11 million contract.
