CLEVELAND, OH - JANUARY 4: Jimmy Butler #21 of the Chicago Bulls looks on during a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on January 4, 2017 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images)David Liam Kyle/Getty Images

Jimmy Butler Illness: Updates on Bulls Star's Status and Return

Timothy RappJan 9, 2017

Chicago Bulls shooting guard Jimmy Butler had been out since Jan. 9 due to an illness. However, he is ready to return.

Continue for updates.

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Butler Active vs. Pelicans

Saturday, Jan. 14

The Bulls announced Butler would be avalaible to play on Saturday against New Orleans.

Butler Enjoying Another Outstanding Season for Bulls

Butler is averaging 25 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.6 assists. He's been the bright spot in an up-and-down season for Chicago.

The Bulls weren't at full strength last season, and the 2016-17 campaign has adopted the familiar injury trend—this time with Butler being sidelined.

With Butler trying to create chemistry with several new teammates, including Dwyane Wade and Rajon Rondo, the latest setback is another impediment to that process. Butler has established himself as one of the best wing players in the NBA and is certainly the face of the Bulls organization for the foreseeable future. The Bulls have a mediocre roster without him in the mix.

With Butler sidelined, both Doug McDermott and Jerian Grant saw a bump in minutes.

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