Jimmy Butler still has interest in the Miami Heat, according to a report.
The AP’s Tim Reynolds reported on Twitter Friday that Butler will listen to the Heat if they want to try and acquire him.
Jimmy Butler has told confidants that if Miami wants to talk on or after June 30 he would certainly – and happily – listen, according to a person with knowledge of the situation.
(Of course, the “how would Miami have the $$$” portion of this equation remains most unclear.)
— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) June 14, 2019
Butler intends to opt out of his current contract to become a free agent this summer, according to Yahoo. The Philadelphia 76ers would like to retain him, and the Lakers are another team that would have interest in signing him.
But going back to last year when Butler forced a trade out of Minnesota, Butler’s preference reportedly was to be traded to Miami. The Heat were close to a trade for him but it never went through, possibly over Tom Thibodeau’s reluctance to make a deal. Butler eventually was dealt to Philly instead.
The Heat had the highest payroll in the league at $153.1 million this season (not including luxury tax amounts). They would have to work things to clear cap space for Butler if they were to make him an offer.
