The Jimmy Butler trade saga is getting worse with every passing day. The Miami Heat forward requested a trade over a month ago and has served three suspensions by the team since that request. His relationship with Pat Riley has completely broken down and the Heat will prioritize trading him as soon as possible.
After reports indicating that the asking price for Jimmy Butler has been reduced, Shams Charania reported on ESPN that the Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors are the most engaged in this deal.
“The Heat are engaged with multiple teams on Jimmy Butler, including from what I’m told, the Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors. The Heat are operating in the landscape as a team that’s motivated with interested suitors. As far as a price tag, it’s been described to me in league circles that the Heat are looking for shorter-term contracts along with draft assets.”
“They are yet to receive an offer they’re moving forward. What we’ve seen play out here is a divorce in real time. Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat have had five overly successful seasons together. 2 runs to the NBA finals and another run to the Eastern Conference Finals, but what has happened over the last two months is a relationship that’s evaporating.”
Everyone knows the Suns are in the race for Jimmy Butler. The team has been the most interested from day one, but it does not have a trade package that would satisfy what the Heat are looking for. Miami is prioritizing contracts that expire before 2026, but the Suns don’t have that to offer, as Bradley Beal’s contract expires in 2027.
The Warriors left the Butler race a few weeks ago after the franchise openly admitted that they were not in a position to contend. They didn’t want to use future assets as a half-measure, but if Butler’s price has dropped sufficiently, it could be a perfect move for them.
Marc Stein reported that the Heat are motivated to trade Butler right now instead of waiting till the offseason, which was believed to be an option they’re considering.
“The Miami Heat, league sources say, have made it their mission now to find a palatable Jimmy Butler deal before the Feb. 6 trade deadline at 3 PM ET. So much for the notion that the Heat might find it wiser to wait until the offseason to gain optionality in the quest for a more digestible swap. The messiest and most draining saga of the rings-laden Pat Riley Era suddenly has the Heat downright eager to ship Butler out.”
Butler is averaging 17.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.8 assists in a down season. The Heat can’t afford to keep him on the roster past the deadline, which would hurt the team’s morale. Hopefully, they can find a satisfactory offer in time.
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