Jimmy Butler trade rumors have gotten to the point where Miami Heat president Pat Riley had to step in to say what the organization will do.
In his words, Butler is not going anywhere.
“We typically don’t comment on rumors, but all of this speculation has become a distraction for the team and is not fair to the players and coaches,” Riley said in a Heat statement. “Therefore, we will make it clear that we will not trade Jimmy Butler.”
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Miami Heat president Pat Riley gestures as he speaks during his postseason news conference, Monday, June 6, 2022, in Miami. As is always the case, Riley comes into the offseason saying that if a deal has to be made to get Miami closer to a championship, he’ll get it done. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
What sparked the rumors was an ESPN report that said the veteran wanted to leave Miami in the middle of his sixth season with the organization.
The report added that the Heat were willing to listen to trade offers before the February 6 deadline.
The Miami Herald then reported that Butler wanted to leave because the team did not publicly deny the rumors.
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Well, that all changed with Riley’s statement on the matter, as the Heat want their star guard/forward to stay put.
Butler is currently averaging 18.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.9 assists in 20 games so far this season.
Looking ahead to next season, Butler is not expected to activate his $52.4 million player option. The Miami Herald also reported that the Heat were not willing to extend him through the 2026-27 season, so there’s a good chance Butler, who would turn 36 next season, is looking for a new team next season.
Miami Heat forward Kevin Love (42) talks with forward Jimmy Butler (22) in the second half against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. (Images by Rick Osentoski-Imagn)
Before becoming a force on the Heat, Butler spent his first six NBA seasons with the Chicago Bulls, starting in the 2011-12 campaign after being selected 30th overall out of Marquette.
He was a three-time All-Star in the Windy City, while earning the Most Improved Player award for his performance in the 2014-15 season.
Butler would end up going to the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2017, but he didn’t last long as he was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers midway through the 2018-19 season.
Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) walks off the court after the game against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. (Images by Rick Osentoski-Imagn)
The versatile two-way star has been a cornerstone of the Heat locker room since joining the team in 2019, earning two All-Star nods in the last six seasons.
