Miami Heat’s star Jimmy Butler surprisingly became the subject of various trade rumors after it was reported that his extension negotiations with the team stalled. However, it appears that the Heat are not thinking about parting ways with their best player, at least not anytime soon.
Speaking with reporters on Monday, Heat’s president Pat Riley was asked whether the organization is entertaining the idea of trading Butler.
“No,” Riley responded before discussing Butler’s extension.
According to Riley, the Heat “haven’t in earnest discussed” a new contract with Butler while pointing out that the franchise still has time before needing to think about it.
“Who moves the needle the most on our team is Jimmy,” Riley added. “Jimmy moves the needle the most. He’s an incredible player. What I said at the beginning about change is he’s got to give it some thought himself for this team to be what he wants it to be, and what I want it to be, and (owner) Micky (Arison) and everybody else.”
Jimmy Butler is under contract with the Heat for 2024-25 season and has a player option for 2025-26. Miami Herald recently reported that Butler isn’t interested in seeing out his current deal as it is and hopes to get a two-year max extension, which would be worth around $113 million.
This season, Butler averaged 20.8 points, his lowest since 2019–20, while adding 5.3 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game. He sprained his MCL during the Play-In Tournament clash against the Philadelphia 76ers and was unable to help the Heat avoid first-round series elimination against the Boston Celtics.
