Jimmy Butler's MRI Confirms Sprained Thumb
(CBS) The MRI that Bulls wing Jimmy Butler underwent Tuesday confirmed that his left thumb has sprained ligaments but isn't anything worse, the team announced.
Butler won't practice the remainder of the week or play in Friday's preseason finale. He'll be re-evaluated after that, and his status for Chicago's season opener at New York on Oct. 29 is still unclear. He suffered the injury early in Sunday's preseason game against the Hornets when he got his hand in a passing lane and the ball deflected off his fingers.
Butler has been the Bulls' best player in the preseason, attacking the basket relentlessly, not shooting many jumpers and playing his usual solid defense. He's also currently in negotiations for a contract extension with the Bulls. If he doesn't sign one by the Oct. 31 deadline, then he'll become a restricted free agent next offseason.