- Jimmy Butler has played for the Miami Heat since 2019, leading the Heat to two appearances in the NBA Finals.
- Miami general manager Pat Riley said he wouldn’t extend Butler’s contract in the past offseason.
- After many rumors, Butler has told the Heat he would like to be traded to any team in the NBA.
Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat have had a strong relationship, but that bond has deteriorated over the past few months. The 35-year-old has played in 22 of Miami’s first 32 games this season, and it was rumored that he wanted to leave the Heat. Now, it is official as Butler has asked the team to trade him to any team in the NBA.
What Happened Between Butler and the Heat?
Jimmy Butler next team odds were released just before Christmas as rumors started that he wanted out of Miami. His agent, Bernie Lee, ranted about ESPN’s Shams Charania, claiming that the stories were erroneous. However, it seems that Charania has gotten the last laugh after reporting on January 2 that Butler officially told the Heat that he would like to be traded.
The issues between Butler and the Heat started when general manager Pat Riley wouldn’t extend Butler’s contract before this season. The six-time All-Star said the Heat would have beat Boston in the playoffs if he wasn’t out with a knee injury. Riley replied, “if you’re not on the court playing, you should keep your mouth shut”, at the end of the season.
Then, when the Heat beat New Orleans on New Year’s Day, Butler thought Heat officials claimed he wasn’t playing hard, which is Butler’s forte. He responded that he wanted to get his joy back, and Butler didn’t think it would be in Miami.
Butler led the Heat to NBA Finals appearances in the 2020 NBA Bubble, where they lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in six games. Miami also lost to Denver in the 2023 Finals in five games with Butler, who is one of the league’s best playoff performers. But it seems like this is the end of the road for the two sides.
Where Will the Heat Trade Butler?
As was indicated above, Houston were the favorites at NBA betting sites to land Butler, but the Heat are undoubtedly fielding calls from the entire league. Butler is indicating that he would take a trade to any team, not just a contender, as many stars around the league have done with trade requests.
Riley was adamant about not trading Butler, but his tune has likely changed now. However, it’ll be interesting to see if the two sides can come to a deal that suits everyone. Butler’s contract has a player option for $52 million next season, and as noted, he wants an extension. Riley is a notoriously fierce negotiator, and he won’t trade Butler just to get him out of Miami. He’s willing to sit and wait until he gets the right deal.
Butler now has a track record of being tough to deal with, as his stints with Chicago, Minnesota, and Philadelphia have all ended badly. He’s also 35 and hasn’t played more than 64 games since 2017. He’ll show up for the playoffs, and play hard in the regular season when he takes to the court.
You have to wonder what a team is willing to give up for a player with his issues. However, for what Butler brings to a team, someone is definitely going to trade for him.
