NBA notebook: Butler to make Sixers debut Wednesday

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[November 13, 2018]    With his trade to Philadelphia officially finalized on Monday, four-time All-Star Jimmy Butler is expected to make his 76ers debut Wednesday night at Orlando.

Timberwolves forward Jimmy Butler (25) drives to the basket past Toronto Raptors guard Danny Green (14) in the first quarter at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Timberwolves sent Butler and center Justin Patton to Philadelphia for forwards Robert Covington and Dario Saric, guard Jared Bayless and a 2022 second-round draft pick. The NBA approved the deal on Monday.

Butler was not expected to be with the 76ers for Monday night's game in Miami. He will be introduced with his new team at a news conference Tuesday.

Philadelphia general manager Elton Brand said pairing Butler with All-Star forward Joel Embiid and 2017-18 Rookie of the Year Ben Simmons puts the Sixers in contention for an NBA title.

--Golden State star Stephen Curry will miss at least two more games with a groin strain, Warriors coach Steve Kerr confirmed.

The two-time NBA Most Valuable Player has been sidelined since Friday and will not play in Monday's road game against the Los Angeles Clippers or Tuesday's home game against the Atlanta Hawks.

Kerr said the Warriors were being extra careful because this is a "new injury for him." "He's never had a groin strain before," the coach said.

--With Carmelo Anthony's departure from the Houston Rockets seemingly imminent, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reports Anthony's representatives spent Monday contacting NBA front offices regarding a potential new home for the 10-time All-Star forward.

Anthony will not travel with the team for Tuesday's game against the Denver Nuggets, marking his third straight missed game with the Rockets. The organization says he out with an illness.

General manager Daryl Morey called speculation about Anthony's future as "unfair," but ESPN notes the Rockets could place Anthony on waivers as soon as Monday. Wojnarowski notes that several GMs and their respective coaches are discussing whether Anthony could be helpful to their organizations, however, it's a tough time of year for teams to make roster moves, and "patience" could be Anthony's best short-term course of action.

--Field Level Media

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