Jimmy Butler is stepping up his efforts to get out of Miami.
The Heat superstar met in person with team president Pat Riley last week and reiterated his desire to be traded by the team. According to a report by ESPN.
The six-time NBA All-Star told Riley he would not sign an extension with the team and would use his $52 million player option for the 2025-26 season only as a trade move in the offseason. World newspaper reported. Wide leader.
The meeting is the latest chapter in a long saga between Butler and the Heat after more than five seasons together and two appearances in the NBA Finals.
Butler, 35, told the team earlier this month that he wanted to leave South Beach after weeks of trade rumors.
He is currently suspended for seven games this season for “conducting acts harmful to the team on multiple occasions.”
Last week, Butler spoke to employees at Big Face Coffee's brick-and-mortar store in the Miami Design District and said, “This is the best person here. You understand? I appreciate your compliments.'' “That's what bosses do. We build you up, but we don't tear you down,” he said, giving a thumbs up.
Butler has had drama-filled exits and ugly breakups with Chicago, Minnesota and Philadelphia.
Butler played in 22 games this season, his 14th in the NBA, and is averaging 17.6 points, shooting 55.2% from the field, 5.5 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game.
Considered a legendary playoff performer, Butler played in more than 60 games just once during his time at Miami, due to injuries and limited regular-season load management in recent years.
The Heat enter Tuesday's game tied for seventh place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 20 wins and 18 losses.
