If Jimmy Butler hadn’t made it clear before, his intentions to leave Miami are recognized now. NBA insider Shams Charania reported that Butler and Heat executive Pat Riley had a face-to-face meeting. Butler offered full transparency, revealing to Riley that he wants to play elsewhere and won’t sign a new contract with the Heat.
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Butler is currently serving a seven-game suspension for actions detrimental to the team. A few days ago, NBA insider Jake Fischer revealed details of the reason for the suspension. To top things off, Charania dropped the news of this meeting in a post on X. The NBA world has erupted into a frenzy. His initial report said,
“Suspended Heat star Jimmy Butler tells Pat Riley in face-to-face meeting that he wants to be traded and will not sign a new deal in Miami.”
Butler isn’t a quiet star. While serving his suspension, he has taken subliminal shots at Riley, further displaying his desire to leave the team. However, the Heat are reportedly doing their part to find a trade suitor for Butler, according to Charania. Despite the ongoing pressure from Butler, Riley hasn’t shown any urgency to get a deal done.
“The Heat have engaged with multiple teams on Butler trade scenarios and have received offers but have been hesitant to negotiate further,” Charania said.
“Riley has not shown an urgency in these talks, as the trade deadline looms on Feb. 6,” sources added.
Butler will approach free agency this offseason. He has a $52 million player option, but he is willing to decline it if it means he’ll be able to sign with a different team. He has given the Heat an ultimatum, which they have to take seriously.
Butler is adamant about a trade
Jimmy Butler doesn’t sugarcoat his emotions. He has made this known during his stints with the Timberwolves, Sixers and now the Heat. His desire to leave the Heat is so strong that he is willing to turn down $52 million just to play elsewhere. The only way he’ll use his player option is to facilitate a trade to another destination.
The clock is ticking for Miami. Their two options are to trade Butler for some assets, which may not be to their liking, or watch him walk in free agency for nothing. Regardless of the choice the Heat decide to make, it will have major implications to their franchise for the immediate future.
