Jimmy Butler appears to be taking every possible step to expedite his exit from the Miami Heat. According to a report from Shams Charania of ESPN on Thursday, the six-time All-Star has formally communicated his desire to be traded. While Butler has not provided the Heat with a list of preferred destinations, Charania notes that the star forward is willing to play “anywhere other than Miami.”
Despite his request, Butler reportedly remains committed to fulfilling his obligations with the team, including participating in practices, games, and any other team-related activities.
This approach suggests that Butler is attempting to manage his departure professionally while making it clear that his time in Miami is nearing its end.
The news comes on the heels of a disappointing performance from Butler and the Heat in a blowout loss to the Indiana Pacers, a sub-.500 team. The Heat fell 128-115 after trailing by as many as 28 points during the game. Butler contributed just nine points and four assists in 27 minutes, an uncharacteristically low output for the veteran forward.
Speaking to reporters after the game, Butler candidly expressed that he has lost his passion for basketball.
“I want to see me get my joy back for basketball,” Butler said. “Wherever that may be, we’ll find out here pretty soon. I wanna get my joy back. I’m happy here off the court, but I wanna be back to somewhat dominant. I wanna hoop. I wanna help this team win. Right now, I’m not doing that.”
When asked if his joy could be restored in Miami, Butler gave a blunt response: “Probably not.”
Butler’s dissatisfaction appears to stem from multiple factors. The 35-year-old forward, who will turn 36 this offseason, has a $52.4 million player option for the 2025-26 season, giving him the ability to test free agency if he opts out. While Butler has been the cornerstone of the Heat since joining the team in 2019, leading them to NBA Finals appearances in 2020 and 2023, tensions have grown between him and the organization.
One significant point of contention was the Heat’s decision not to offer Butler a two-year, $113 million max extension last summer, a move that reportedly left him feeling undervalued.
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Butler’s camp hinted at his unhappiness as early as Christmas Day, leaking his preference for a trade before the Feb. 6 deadline. However, Heat president Pat Riley dismissed those rumors at the time, reaffirming the team’s commitment to Butler.
In recent weeks, Butler has intensified his efforts to force a move, making cryptic public comments about his future and now issuing a direct trade request. The situation has cast a shadow over the Heat’s season as they navigate their next steps with a player who has been vital to their recent success.
With the trade deadline looming, the Heat face a crucial decision: acquiesce to Butler’s demands and seek a trade package that aligns with their long-term goals or risk further unrest within their roster.
For Butler, the clock is ticking to find a team where he can rediscover the joy and dominance he seeks in his career.
