Jimmy Butler Requests Trade from Heat, Open to Any Team Ahead of Deadline
Jimmy Butler informed the Miami Heat of his desire to be traded after his viral postgame press conference after the Heat’s 128-115 loss to the Indiana Pacers. ESPN was the first to report the trade request.
Since returning from a five-game absence due to illness, Butler has appeared disengaged on the court. He has accumulated 18 points on 11 shot attempts across the past two games and did not play in the fourth quarter of either contest. In Thursday’s 128-115 loss to the Indiana Pacers, Butler scored nine points and recorded a team-worst minus-27 rating.
Following the game, Butler expressed dissatisfaction with his current role and outlook. It became apparent that the situation had become past salvaging.
“I want to see me get my joy back from playing basketball. Wherever that may be, we’ll find out here pretty soon,” Butler said. When asked if that could happen in Miami, he replied, “Probably not.”
Open to Any Team, Jimmy Butler Seeks Fresh Start
While initial reports suggested Butler’s preferred destinations—including the Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks, and Houston Rockets—ESPN reports he no longer intends to submit a list of preferred teams. Butler is open to any destination and believes he can make a significant impact on whichever team acquires him.
Butler plans to remain engaged in team activities despite the trade request and follow the Heat’s directives throughout the process. As ESPN reported, efforts by Heat President Pat Riley and owner Micky Arison to address Butler’s concerns have not resulted in a resolution.
The strain between Butler and the organization reportedly began last offseason when Miami opted not to extend his contract before the 2024-25 season.
Tensions escalated after Butler implied Miami could have defeated Boston and New York in the playoffs had he been healthy. Riley responded publicly, stating, “If you’re not on the court playing, you should keep your mouth shut.”
ESPN reported that the relationship between Butler and Riley has yet to recover fully.
Tensions Have Not Dissipated
Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra described Butler’s performances as uncharacteristic and noted that the team needs to increase his offensive involvement.
Miami has publicly maintained that Butler will not be traded. Riley reiterated last week, “We will make it clear — we are not trading Jimmy Butler.”
However, the situation remains fluid as the Feb. 6 trade deadline approaches and Butler’s dissatisfaction becomes more evident.
Butler is in the final year of his contract. He earned $49 million this season and has a $52.4 million player option for 2025-26. Reports suggest He will decline the option and explore free agency next summer.
Butler is averaging 18 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.7 assists this season while shooting a career-best 55.3% from the field. Since joining Miami, he has led the Heat to two NBA Finals appearances and has made the playoffs in 12 of his 13 NBA seasons.
As it stands, Butler appears primed to be the top name to watch as the February 6 trade deadline approaches.
