The standoff between Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat is getting juicier by the day. ESPN insider Shams Charania reported earlier this month that Butler hopes to be moved ahead of the trade deadline. Butler’s agent vehemently shot down the report at the time, but the veteran’s star’s words and actions are sure making him look like a player who hopes to get traded by Feb. 6.
The Indiana Pacers beat the Heat, 128-115, on Thursday night. Butler looked oddly disengaged the entire night, and ended the game with only nine points in 27 minutes. He only took six field goal attempts against a poor Pacers defense, and the Heat were a -27 with him on the floor. After the game, Butler made it clear he isn’t happy in Miami.
Butler was asked point blank: “Can you get your joy back here on the court?” He said “probably not.” Watch the viral clip of his press conference here:
“I want to see me back my joy back from playing basketball,” Butler says. “Wherever that may be, we’ll find out pretty soon here. I’m happy here … off the court.”
Butler hadn’t played since Dec. 20 because of an illness until New Years Day when the Heat took on the Pelicans. Butler ended the Pelicans game with nine points in 25 minutes,a nd only took five shots. One of them was this bizarre one-footed three-pointer.
After his play and comments against the Pacers, it sure feels like Butler is trying to tank his way out of Miami.
This all comes a week after top Heat executive Pat Riley emphatically said Butler would remain in Miami, and that the team had no interest in trading him:
Statement from Pat Riley
“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. Therefore, we will make it clear – We are not trading Jimmy Butler.”
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) December 26, 2024
Butler has a $52.4 million player option for next season. Charania reported that he intends to opt out and sign a long-term deal, but only the Brooklyn Nets are set to have max cap space this summer, and they’re rebuilding. Butler is in a tough situation: he wants a new home and a new contract, but the Heat have no incentive to move with the team in playoff position at 17-15 overall.
Who blinks first: Jimmy or Riley? After heroically leading the Heat to two NBA Finals appearances during his tenure, Butler feels done with the Heat. To this point, the Heat still aren’t done with him.
