Jimmy Butler is seeking a trade from the Miami Heat, but he is apparently only willing to play for certain teams.
NBA reporter Chris Haynes said on Tuesday that Butler’s camp has informed some rival teams to not attempt to trade for the six-time All-Star. One of the teams that Butler discouraged from trying to trade for him is the Memphis Grizzlies, but Haynes says there are “a few other teams” that received the same message.
“League sources just relayed to me that the Memphis Grizzlies, along with a few other teams, have received word that Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler has no interest in being traded there,” Haynes reported. “So, the message is being delivered that a trade should not be attempted to acquire the All-Star forward.
“What makes this situation a little tricky is that Jimmy Butler can become an unrestricted free agent this summer. Usually with a player of that caliber, teams like to have some assurance that he’s willing to sign long term or a multi-year deal. So, Jimmy in that regard does have some leverage in this case.”
Sources: A few teams have been informed not to trade for Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler. #haynesbriefs pic.twitter.com/200eV8gjxk
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) January 7, 2025
Butler has a $52.4 million player option on his contract for the 2025-26 season. Whether teams are willing to risk trading for him without a long-term contract agreement in place may depend upon Miami’s asking price.
When Butler first went public with his trade request last week, the initial report was that he was willing to play “anywhere other than Miami.” It sounds like the 35-year-old is trying to be at least somewhat selective.
Butler is currently serving a seven-game suspension that the Heat handed down for conduct detrimental to the team. Miami is said to have ruled out one scenario with Butler upon his return.
