Jimmy Butler wants the Miami Heat to trade him, according to league sources. The six-time All-Star told ESPN that he’s open to playing anywhere else and believes he can make any team a contender. However, he won’t provide a list of his preferred destinations.
Butler has been under pressure from the Heat’s front office, which has been adamant it doesn’t plan to trade him. After an ESPN report last Christmas suggested Butler had the Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, and Dallas Mavericks as top choices for a potential trade, Heat president Pat Riley issued a statement saying “we are not trading Jimmy Butler.”
The tension between Butler and the Heat’s management has been ongoing since last spring when Riley announced the team wouldn’t extend Butler’s contract before the 2024-25 season. Butler had expressed frustration with the decision on social media.
Butler, who is in his final year of a $49 million deal, has also informed teams that he intends to decline his 2025-26 player option and become a free agent next July. He’s averaging 18 points and shooting 55.3% from the field this season.
The situation sets up a potential showdown between Butler and the Heat’s front office, which may lead to a trade or further tension in their relationship.
Source: https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/43266837/sources-jimmy-butler-indicates-heat-wants-trade