Bulls' Jimmy Butler gets OK on ailing knee from Dr. James Andrews

After conferring with Dr. James Andrews in Florida on Thursday, it was confirmed the current management of Jimmy Butler's troublesome left knee is the appropriate one, and the All-Star can return to the court.

It was reported earlier Thursday that Andrews found "no issues" in the Chicago Bulls shooting guard's knee, according CBS' Ken Berger.

Butler, who suffered a sprained knee that sidelined him for a month, returned over the weekend only to experience swelling and a mysterious pain in the same knee.

The 26-year-old swingman wanted to get a second opinion from one of the world's best doctors before rushing to return.

Since he traveled to Florida for the visit, Butler won't be available for Thursday against the San Antonio Spurs. The Bulls are 5-9 in his absence this season.

Butler leads the Bulls in scoring with 22.4 points per game along with 5.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and elite defensive play on the perimeter. His return will be vital in the Bulls' desperate chase for a playoff spot.

Coming into Thursday, Chicago is tied with the Detroit Pistons for eighth in the East.