It looks like the Heat basketball heyday of Jimmy Butler is coming to an end.
After five and a half seasons and two Finals trips, Butler has made it clear that he no longer wants to be a part of the team.
The scenario began to fall apart after Butler questioned his ability to recapture his passion on the court while wearing a Miami uniform after a loss to the Pacers on January 2.
ESPN’s Shams Charania and Brian Windhorst reported shortly after Butler’s media appearance that the player had stated his wish to be dealt and that he would be willing to play anyplace than Miami.
The Sporting News will provide you with the most recent information on Butler and the trade market as it seems that both parties are on the verge of splitting.
Jimmy Butler trade rumors tracker
Suns are prepared to offer Butler $121 million extension
Date: January 9
Kendrick Perkins of ESPN is the source.
According to Perkins’ sources, the Suns are waiting on Jimmy to sign a two-year, $121 million agreement, he said on the Road Trippin show.
Perkins continued by saying that the speculations are based on Butler’s bond with Kevin Durant and that Phoenix will sign Durant to a contract extension if it signs Butler.
Butler only interested in signing new contract with Suns
Date: January 9
Source: SI’s Chris Mannix
Mannix asserts According to rumors, Phoenix is the most active bidder for the veteran, and Butler has made it clear that he only wants to play for the Suns. If this is accurate, the Heat and Suns might compete until February 6, when the NBA trade deadline is set.
Butler not interested in being traded to Grizzlies, among other teams
Date: January 7
Source: NBA insider Chris Haynes
In a video uploaded on X on Tuesday, Haynes stated that the Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler has expressed no interest in being traded to the Memphis Grizzlies or a few other teams.
Memphis was thought to be a potential destination, but Butler has leverage with teams that might try to make a move because of his upcoming free agency.
Suns are only team willing to give Butler the contract he desires
Date: January 7
Source: ESPN’s Brian Windhorst
On ESPN’s First Take, Windhorst clarified that Pat Riley’s declaration that the franchise would not extend Butler’s contract is the main cause of these issues. Butler does not want to sign with anyone, but he is looking for an extension.
The Suns are one of the teams that is open to fulfilling all of Butler’s demands.
No team will offer Jimmy Butler a contract extension. According to Windhorst, teams are currently giving the Heat the poo-poo platter because they are aware of this. The Phoenix Suns are the only team willing to give Jimmy Butler the precise amount he desires.
Warriors likely out on Butler
Date: 4 January
Source: The Athletic
Butler is allegedly out of the running for Golden State. The Warriors would rather to add a player like Vucevic instead. Because of his more manageable deal, the latter is far more plausible. The cost of rostering Butler would be more than twice that of Vucevic.
Heat suspend Jimmy Butler, will listen to offers
Date: 3 January
Miami Heat is the source.
The Heat have given Butler a seven-game suspension for actions that hurt the club. With an emphasis on the past few weeks, Miami underlined his behavior throughout the season.
The Heat added that they will now evaluate offers because they are well aware that Butler wants to be dealt.
Statement from Miami Heat regarding Jimmy Butler:
Jimmy Butler has received a seven-game suspension for numerous acts that have harmed the team over the season, especially in the past few weeks.
January 4, 2025, Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT)
Jimmy Butler requests trade and is open to playing anywhere other than Miami
Date: January 2
Source: Brian Windhorst and Shams Charania, ESPN
Butler told the team that he wanted to be traded after the team’s loss to Indiana.
Butler is willing to play anywhere outside of Miami and has no preferred locations, according to Charania and Windhorst.
The article claims that Heat management implied that Butler did not give it his all during the team’s victory over the Pelicans on January 1st, which affected Butler’s decision.
Heat issue statement reaffirming commitment to Butler
Date: December 26
Miami Heat is the source.
Heat President Pat Riley makes a clear announcement that the team will not be participating in trade negotiations in reaction to trade speculations involving Butler.
Though we typically don’t comment on speculations, this speculation has been unfair to the coaches and players and has caused a distraction for the club. We will thus be clear that Jimmy Butler is not being traded.
Jimmy Butler prefers trade out of Miami
Date: December 25
Source: ESPN’s Shams Charania
According to Charania, Butler is reportedly prepared to leave Miami for the NBA Christmas Day slate.
According to reports, Butler’s wish to move on is a result of unsuccessful contract extension talks in the summer of 2024. The 35-year-old Butler is looking for longer-term stability and has a 2025–2026 player option.
At the time, the Suns, Warriors, Mavericks, and Rockets were Butler’s top destinations, according to Charania.
Jimmy Butler contract
In 2021, Butler agreed to a three-year, $146.4 million contract extension with the Heat. As part of the agreement, he will receive $48.8 million this season.
In order to increase his long-term freedom on what might be his last big contract, Butler is anticipated to choose not to exercise his $52.4 million player option for the 2025–2026 season. September will mark his 36th birthday.
|
Season |
Age |
Salary |
| 2024-25 | 35 | $48,798,677 |
| 2025-26 | 36 | $52,413,394 (PO) |
| 2026 | 37 | UFA |
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Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.