After a recent report put Jimmy Butler at the front and center of NBA trade rumors, his agent, Bernie Lee, went off on the insider for spreading misinformation about his client. But during an appearance on First Take this Thursday, Shams Charania defended his reporting and responded directly to Lee’s scathing statement.
“I 1000% stand by my reporting,” said Shams. “It’s fully vetted. And as a professional, that’s what I do, that’s what I get paid to do, that’s what I’m going to do. I report truthfully and accurately. That’s what this is. Period.”
Butler’s agent vahemately denied any reports of Butler splitting from the Heat but it seems that someone isn’t being entirely truthful. Despite the pushback from Butler’s camp, Shams went on to double down on his reporting for Butler’s uncertain NBA future.
“Tuesday, I reported that the Miami Heat have begun listening to trade offers for Jimmy Butler and he prefers a win-now destination. Three of the teams that I reported that his agent has indicated in league circles, that he is open to the Mavericks, the Rockets, and the Golden State Warriors. Yesterday, I also added that there was another team on that list: the Phoenix Suns. That is the reporting and 1000% stand by it because it’s 1000% facts.”
To be clear, it has not been reported that Butler wants out of Miami but there have been consistent rumblings that the Heat are at least open to potentially trading him. Arguably the biggest piece of evidence for this case is that the Heat have so far been unwilling to offer Butler a new contract extension.
After multiple failed seasons and the current campaign headed on the fast track to nowhere, it’s no surprise that the Heat are considering massive changes. Trading Butler is arguably the easiest way for them to accumulate a haul of assets.
As a 13-year veteran and 6x All-Star, Butler’s impact is huge and he’s led the Heat to two Finals appearances since 2020. But after two straight failed playoff runs, and a roster that keeps getting older, the Heat are under increasing pressure to move on from Butler and start a soft rebuild that will recoup some assets to build a better future.
As for Jimmy, only time will tell where he ends up but things have never been so uncertain for the 6x All-Star. Even if he is traded from the Heat, Butler’s mission of winning a title will remain unchanged.
It’s why he prefers to join a team where he can compete and finally win his first championship that’s eluded him for so long. At 12-10 this season, the window may already be closed for this Miami Heat roster but if they’re smart and play it right they can set themselves up for a quick rebuild to rise the ranks again in a few short years.
After tonight’s game against the Raptors at 7:30 PM EST at Kaseya Arena, the Miami Heat will head on the road to face the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesar’s Arena. They have three more nights off before a showdown against the Oklahoma City Thunder at home, at 8:00 PM EST.
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