Jimmy trade rumors Butler reached the point where Miami Heat president Pat Riley needed to step in and tell him what the organization was doing.
from his words Butler isn’t going anywhere.
“We normally do not comment on rumours. But all this speculation turned out to be something that bothered the team. And it’s unfair to the players and coaches,” Riley said in a Heat statement. “So we’re going to make that clear. We will not trade Jimmy Butler.”
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Miami Heat president Pat Riley gestures as he speaks during the postseason press conference on Monday, June 6, 2022, in Miami. As always, Riley is entering the offseason saying that if there is A deal that needs to be made and brings Miami closer to the championship. He will succeed. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
What sparked the rumors was an ESPN report that said the veteran wanted to leave Miami amid his sixth season with the organization.
The report adds that the Heat are willing to listen to trade offers before the February 2, 6 deadline.
The Miami Herald then reported that Butler had expressed his desire to leave. Because the team did not hide the rumors from the public.
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Everything changed according to Riley’s statement about it. Because the Heat want their star guard/forward to stay.
Butler is currently averaging 18.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.9 assists in 20 games so far this season.
Looking ahead to next season Butler is not expected to activate his $52.4 million player option. The Miami Herald also reported that the Heat are unwilling to extend him through the 2026-27 season, so there’s a good chance Butler Lehr, who will be 36 next season, will be looking for a new team next season.
Miami Heat forward Kevin Love (42) talks with Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) during the second half against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. (Photo Rick Osentoski-Imagn)
before becoming an important force in the Heat Butler spent his first six seasons with the Chicago Bulls in the NBA, starting in the 2011-12 season after being drafted 30th overall out of Marquette.
He was a three-time All-Star in the Windy City. while receiving the Most Improved Player award for his performance in the 2014-15 season.
Butler would end up playing for Minnesota. Timberwolves in 2017, but he was soon traded to Philadelphia. 76ers in the middle of the 2018-19 season
Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler, 22, walks off the field after a game against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. (Photo Rick Osentoski-Imagn)
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The versatile youngster has been a cornerstone of the Heat locker room since joining the team in 2019 and has earned two All-Star honors over the past six seasons.
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