Warriors, Suns atop Jimmy Butler’s preferred trade destinations

Heat forward Jimmy Butler, whose relationship with the team has become somewhat strained, now prefers to be traded, ESPN reported Wednesday. Sources involved with Butler and the Heat both said that he has not formally requested a trade, but nobody has denied that he is unhappy. And Butler’s agent, Bernie Lee, declined to comment on the report. A source who has spoken to multiple teams told The Miami Herald that Butler is considered available on the trade market. Butler was non-committal when asked earlier this month if he wants to remain with the Heat. But there’s nothing to suggest that a deal was imminent, and no indication that the Heat would cave to his preferences. -via Miami Herald / December 25, 2024

Whether Butler asks for a trade or not, there’s no indication that Miami feels any urgency to deal him, for two reasons: 1). No team except the rebuilding Brooklyn Nets would have the cap space necessary to sign Butler to a max contract in free agency in July. The Heat is not at all concerned about the possibility of losing him for nothing in free agency, a source with direct knowledge said. 2). The Heat has not been presented with an appealing trade offer. In fact, it’s unclear if the Heat has received any offer. While ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Butler wants a trade, ESPN’s Bobby Marks said there’s a growing belief around the league that he will not be dealt before the Feb. 6 trade deadline. -via Miami Herald / December 25, 2024

Barry Jackson: As long as Butler doesn’t make this into a circus, Heat would be OK taking this soap opera into July unless it gets an appealing offer before Feb. 6. If Miami gets very appealing offer, they’re certainly open to moving on from him in coming weeks. But Butler could force Heat hand if he becomes highly disruptive (he hasn’t). -via x.com / December 25, 2024