Miami isn't feeling the heat.
The Heat say there is “no indication” they plan to trade superstar Jimmy Butler, despite an ESPN report saying he wants to leave Miami. According to the Miami Herald.
The Suns, Warriors, Mavericks and Rockets are Butler's preferred destinations. Per ESPNHowever, both outlets said the 35-year-old has not formally requested a trade.
The Heat and Butler have been together for six seasons, but there are some signs of tension heading into and now what could be Butler's final year with the team.
Butler, a six-time All-Star who led Miami to two NBA Finals appearances, has a $52.4 million player option for next season, but ESPN reported in June that he could finish with any team. It was stated that he would become a free agent regardless. Season with.
The Miami Herald reported that Butler is not happy that Miami did not offer Butler a two-year contract extension through the 2026-27 season.
The paper also said Butler didn't appreciate being told to keep quiet by team president Pat Riley after making disparaging remarks about the Knicks and Celtics last season, and that the Miami side The media also reported that the company did not deny reports that it was willing to do business with the company.
That situation could cause the Heat, who opened Thursday with a 14-13 record and sixth place in the Eastern Conference, to look to a potential trade rather than risk losing Butler for nothing.
According to the Miami Herald, there are two reasons why the Heat lack urgency regarding a potential trade.
The first is that the Nets are the only team that can sign Butler to a max contract this summer.
Brooklyn is clearly in the midst of a rebuild, with ESPN saying Butler wants “a candidate who can win right now.” The Nets don't fit that mold.
The Miami Herald reported, “The Heat have no concerns about potentially losing him in free agency, a person with direct knowledge of the situation said.”
Another factor is that none of the packages were overwhelming, although the Miami Herald reported that it was “unknown” whether Miami had received an offer.
The team called the Heat, but Miami showed a “lack of urgency,” according to ESPN.
Butler's hope is that Houston has no interest in a trade, while Dallas and Phoenix lack strong trade assets, which would create salary cap issues, the Miami Herald reported.
The outlet speculates that a trade that includes at least a first-round pick, Andrew Wiggins and possibly Jonathan Kuminga could make sense for the Warriors.
However, Golden State's trade could require a third team due to salary issues.
Butler is averaging 18.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game this season, and the NBA trade deadline is February 6, 2025.
