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The Jimmy Butler trade rumors reached the point where Miami Heat president Pat Riley needed to step in and say what the organization was going to do.
According to him, Butler is not going anywhere.
“Normally we don’t comment on rumors, but all this speculation has become a distraction for the team and it’s not fair to the players and coaches,” Riley said in Heat statement. “So we’ll make it clear – we’re not trading Jimmy Butler.”
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Miami Heat president Pat Riley gestures as he speaks during his postseason press conference, Monday, June 6, 2022, in Miami. As is always the case, Riley enters the offseason saying that if there’s a deal that needs to be made to get Miami closer to a championship, he’s going to make it. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
What started the rumors was an ESPN report stating that the veteran wanted out of 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 Feb. 6 deadline.
Then the Miami Herald reported that Butler had a desire to leave, as the team did not publicly dispel those rumors.
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Well, that all changed with Riley’s statement on the matter, as the Heat want their star/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 exercise his $52.4 million player option. The Miami Herald also reported that the Heat do not want to extend him through the 2026-27 season, so there’s a good chance Butler, who would be 36 next season, will be looking for a new team next season.
Miami Heat forward Kevin Love (42) talks to forward Jimmy Butler (22) during the second half against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. (Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images)
Before becoming a powerhouse for the Heat, Butler spent his first six NBA seasons with the Chicago Bullsstarting in the 2011-12 campaign. after being drafted 30th overall out of Marquette.
He was a three-time All-Star in the Windy City, while winning the MVP award for his performance in 2014-15.
Butler finished 2017 with the Minnesota Timberwolves, 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 Osentoski-Imagn 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 All-Star honors twice in the past six seasons.
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