Jimmy Butler trade rumors have reached the point where Miami Heat president Pat Riley has had to step in and state what the organization will do moving forward.
From his word, Butler isn't going anywhere.
“Normally we don't comment on rumors, but all this speculation is distracting to our team and unfair to our players and coaches,” Riley said in a statement from the Heat. “Therefore, we would like to make it clear that we do not intend to trade Jimmy Butler.”
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Miami Heat president Pat Riley gestures and speaks during a postseason press conference on Monday, June 6, 2022, in Miami. As always, Riley will enter the offseason and is determined to make it work if a deal is reached and moves Miami closer to a championship. (AP Photo/Wilfried Lee)
The rumors were sparked by an ESPN report that stated the veteran wanted to leave Miami midway through his sixth season with the organization.
The report added that the Heat are willing to listen to trade offers ahead of the Feb. 6 deadline.
Later, the Miami Herald reported that Butler wanted to leave, as the team did not publicly deny the rumors.
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Well, the Heat want their star guard/forward to stay, and Riley's statement on the matter changed everything.
Butler is averaging 18.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.9 assists in 20 games so far this season.
Butler is not expected to exercise his $52.4 million player option for next season. Additionally, the Miami Herald reports that the Heat are reluctant to extend his contract through the 2026-27 season, so there is a good chance Butler, who will turn 36 next season, will be looking for a new team next season.
Miami Heat forward Kevin Love, 42, speaks with forward Jimmy Butler, 22, during the second half of a game against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. (Rick Osentsky-Imagine Images)
Prior to joining the Heat, Butler was drafted 30th overall by Marquette and spent his first six NBA seasons with the Chicago Bulls starting in 2011-12.
He was a three-time All-Star in the Windy City and won the Most Valuable Player Award for his performance in the 2014-15 season.
Butler would be traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2017, but that didn't last long as he was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers midway through the 2018-19 season.
Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler, 22, leaves the court after the game against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. (Rick Osentsky-Imagine Images)
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The versatile two-way star has been a cornerstone of the Heat's locker room since joining the team in 2019, earning him two All-Star selections over the past six seasons.
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