NBA Rumors: Jimmy Butler, One Step Away from Being Traded by Miami Heat

The Miami Heat continue to seek trade opportunities involving Jimmy Butler before the NBA Trade Deadline on February 6.

"Butler is indeed an active member of the Heat once again, but league sources emphasize that Miami is determined to keep exploring trade possibilities between now and the February 6 deadline amid real concerns that there is a considerable amount of season to navigate for two parties that would prefer an immediate separation," as noted by Marc Stein, one of the most reputable reporters in the league.

Butler returned from a seven-game suspension on Friday, playing 33 minutes during a 133-113 loss to the Denver Nuggets. The Heat suspended the star forward for multiple instances of detrimental conduct to the team, showing he no longer wants to be part of the organization.

"I guess at this point, it's basketball," Butler told reporters upon his return. "I know what is expected of me while I'm here and I try to do it to the best of my ability, but we are where we are."

Just before the suspension, ESPN's Shams Charania and Brian Windhorst reported that Butler informed Miami he wanted to be traded before the deadline. Charania and Windhorst pointed out that the relationship between both parties has been tense since last spring after team president Pat Riley announced that the Heat would not extend Butler's contract before the 2024-25 season.

Jimmy Butler's Numbers

The 35-year-old player has a cap hit of $48.8 million for the remainder of the season and can become an unrestricted free agent once the year concludes, although he also holds a player option of $52.4 million for his 2025-26 campaign.

Charania revealed on Tuesday that Butler plans to use his player option as a bargaining chip and told Riley he will not sign a new deal with Miami. The Heat have already engaged with multiple teams regarding the six-time All-Star and have received offers, but are hesitant to trade further.

In 23 starts this season, Butler is averaging 17.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.2 steals per game with shooting percentages of 54.7% from the field, 35.3% from three-point range, and 79.4% from the free-throw line. Despite the forward playing again with the Heat, it seems both parties remain keen on parting ways before February 6.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Rumores NBA: Jimmy Butler, a un paso de ser traspasado por Miami Heat