The Miami Heat doesn’t intend to trade superstar Jimmy Butler despite the player’s wish for a change of scenery and strong interest from other NBA teams. Team president Pat Riley confirmed this in a statement issued earlier this week.
Butler has been the subject of various trade rumors in recent weeks. According to a report, Butler wants to leave the organization after failing to get a new contract in the offseason and has the Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns among his suitors.
But apparently, the Heat isn’t willing to fulfill Butler’s wishes for the time being.
“We usually don’t comment on rumors, but all this speculation has become a distraction to the team and is not fair to the players and coaches,” Riley said. “Therefore, we will make it clear — we are not trading Jimmy Butler.”
Butler is in the final year of his contract and can become a free agent in the summer. He has a $52 million player option for 2025-26, which he is expected to decline. However, the Heat seems willing to risk losing Butler for nothing rather than jeopardizing their chances of competing this season.
Butler missed the past four Heat games due to an ankle injury and illness but is expected to return soon. This season, he is averaging 18.4 points, his lowest average as a member of the Heat, while adding 5.8 rebounds and 4.8 assists.
