Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler reiterated his desire to be traded during a face-to-face meeting with team president Pat Riley last week. Butler stated that he will not sign a new deal in Miami and plans to use his $52 million player option for 2025-26 as a trade maneuver.
The seven-game suspension of Butler, which was deemed “detrimental conduct,” is set to end on Thursday. With this development, the Heat must now decide whether to re-integrate Butler into the team or explore trade options.
Heat officials will meet later this week to discuss possible routes for Butler, who has requested a trade earlier this month. Owner Micky Arison is also expected to sit down with Butler, while coach Erik Spoelstra and players like Tyler Herro have emphasized the need to move forward without distractions.
Butler’s request comes as the Heat are struggling to find clarity amid his absence. The team has gone 3-2 on their current six-game road trip, but Herro acknowledged that getting back on the road was a relief from the chaos surrounding Butler’s situation.
The Heat have engaged with multiple teams about potential trade scenarios and received offers, although they’ve been hesitant to negotiate further due to the looming February 6th trade deadline. Sources suggest that Butler prefers destinations such as the Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks, and Houston Rockets.
Source: https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/43411900/sources-jimmy-butler-reiterates-trade-demand-heat-pat-riley