If you’re looking to get some comments from Erik Spoelstra on the Jimmy Butler trade situation, keep hoping.
Spoelstra spoke with the media on Saturday ahead of the Miami Heat’s game against the Utah Jazz. The two-time NBA champion coach began by telling reporters bluntly that he wouldn’t be talking about the Butler matter.
“We’re just going to focus on tonight. I want to quiet all the distractions, enough has been said. We have clarity and we’re just going to focus on this group in the locker room. That’s what I want them to focus on and quiet the noise as much as possible. I’m not a clickbait type of coach, so you’re not going to get anything else really from me. We have a task to do. The guys are excited about this game coming off of a tough game the other night. You have to deal with a lot of different things in this association and it’s Saturday night. I’m looking forward to this game,” Spoelstra said, via The Miami Herald’s Anthony Chiang.
Spoelstra’s comments come two days after Butler requested a trade from the Heat. The Heat responded on Friday by announcing they would welcome trade offers. They also suspended Butler seven games for conduct detrimental to the team.
The Heat entered Saturday 17-15, and they were expecting to contend for a championship. Unfortunately, Butler’s behavior and trade request have thrown off those plans.
Butler has been with the Heat since 2019-2020. The Heat have made the playoffs in every season since Butler’s been with the team and have made three trips to the conference finals. They have reached the NBA Finals twice with Butler, though they were unable to win a championship.
Miami’s chances of advancing far in the playoffs will decrease without Butler, but Spoelstra is not getting distracted when it comes to focusing on the season.
