After a wave of Jimmy Butler trade rumors crashed on South Beach earlier this season, the waters have calmed in Miami. NOT!
In what feels like the most obvious fallout ever, the drama has only continued since we learned the Heat may consider trading their superstar. Butler has already made it known that he will likely decline his player option this offseason and test the free-agent waters. With Miami hanging in the middle of the Eastern Conference, uninterested in extending Butler, and at risk of losing him for nothing, listening to offers feels like something most front offices would do.
These rumors have also led to a list of preferred destinations from Butler’s camp. The Golden State Warriors, Phoenix Suns, Houston Rockets, and Dallas Mavericks were reportedly on his list. While I’m sure several of these teams have done their due diligence, the Warriors have been specifically named as an organization with mutual interest.
Butler’s urgency for a trade has also seemingly grown over the last couple of weeks. After the initial buzz centered around Miami’s preference, we learned as recently as Christmas Day that Butler now prefers to be traded ahead of the deadline, per ESPN’s Shams Charania. He reportedly hasn’t demanded a trade, but there is a clear belief that he is ready for a fresh start.
And that brings us to today’s new, dramatic wrinkle!
Pat Riley Releases Statement About Jimmy Butler
Pat Riley isn’t afraid to speak up, and this is exactly what he did on Thursday afternoon. The long-time NBA executive released a statement regarding the Jimmy Butler rumors, stressing that the organization will not trade him.
“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,”
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