The Jimmy Butler saga in Miami is nearing the end stage now as the Heat work around the clock to find a new home for their disgruntled star. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Heat have had some productive trade talks after Butler “tripled down” on his desire for a change of scenery.
“Jimmy Butler has tripled down on his trade request. Earlier this month, he did it to Pat Riley’s face, and last week he did it to Micky Arrison, the team owner. And I’m told the Heat have had some productive conversations on a potential Butler trade this week. But this is a big number to move. So whatever deal ends up happening whether it’s a two-team trade, three-team trade, or four-team trade, really everything is a possibility. But in the meantime, Jimmy Butler is clocking in. The easiest way to put this is that everyone in that building knows what’s up.”
Over the past six years, Jimmy Butler has been a loyal contributor for the Miami Heat with averages of 21.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game on 49.8% shooting. But after some choice words from Pat Riley this summer, and the decision not to give Butler an extension on his contract, the relationship between to crack between the Heat franchise and their prized veteran star.
Eventually, as the situation grew toxic, the Heat were forced to suspend Butler to control their locker room. The latest twist happened last week, when Butler announced his return on Instagram in a Michael Jordan-themed post.
While some fans took it to mean that Butler was committed to staying for the long haul, he has already requested a trade twice: first to team president Pat Riley and then to team owner Micky Arrison. Apparently, he’s even declared it a third time just to make his intentions known.
With an eye for the Phoenix Suns, Butler would rather chase a championship alongside Kevin Durant than keep biding his time with a Heat squad that won’t get him the kind of team he needs to win a championship.
The Suns want Butler “bad” but they would have to convince Bradley Beal to waive his no-trade clause. Otherwise, Jimmy may have to be more flexible with where he’s willing to go to end his career.
The Kings, Warriors, and Milwaukee Bucks have all been rumored to have an interest in Butler and if they are willing to make an appropriate offer it could be all the Heat need to move on and make a deal for good.
But with Jimmy now tripling down on his trade demand, it’s clear there’s no going back on this now. The trust is forever broken between Butler and the Heat and whether it’s now or in the summer they will be parting ways. Until then, the 6x All-Star will remain in the lineup and play in every game that he’s healthy.
Starting with the game tonight against the Portland Trail Blazers, Jimmy will look to lead the Heat in a win at Kaseya Center. Next, Butler will play the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday, January 23rd, at 7:30 PM EST. Finally, the Heat will head to Barclays Center to play the Brooklyn Nets at 6:00 PM EST.
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