NBA notebook: Butler to make Sixers debut Wednesday

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