The rollercoaster ride of Jimmy Butler trade speculation has reached a new turn on Wednesday night. ESPN’s Shams Charania most recently added the Phoenix Suns to a list of preferred trade destinations (if the Heat decide to move on). That list allegedly also includes the Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks and Golden State Warriors, but the most recent link to Phoenix did not sit well with Butler’s agent, Bernard Lee.
Alright listen. I gave you a pass yesterday because I was busy but if you don’t stop putting my name on your complete and utter made up bullshit because you know you normally arent worth my time to acknowledge.. (continued) https://t.co/1KOXza9kUI
— Bernard Lee (@BernieoLee) December 11, 2024
I don’t know what I’m going to do because I’m a middle aged dad but just know it would indicate severe dislike. World… all this is fabricated. I have never and honestly it wouldn’t help me or the position I represent to do anything that’s been reported by said “journalist” https://t.co/1KOXza9SKg
— Bernard Lee (@BernieoLee) December 11, 2024
Shams this is your opportunity to say my bad “I let chat GPT write my tweets and it went old school Peter Vescey..” (Shams Peter was a writer in the 90’s) be a trend setter.. invent the new I was hacked. Carry on all. Thank you. https://t.co/1KOXza9kUI
— Bernard Lee (@BernieoLee) December 11, 2024
It is an intriguing developing storyline in regard to Butler’s future, but Lee’s comments calling out the insider should be enough to calm down the rumor mill moving forward. There are a plethora of sources around the NBA, but one could argue there could be no greater than the source itself— in this case being Butler’s own agent. He mentioned that the recent reports are “made up” and “fabricated”, with no response yet from Charania.
Micky Arison, the owner of the Miami Heat, also reposted the remarks from Lee in regard to Charania’s reporting. Which could make it assumed that Miami is also denying that they are open to trading Butler.
Representatives of the organization have not publicly commented on the rumors, though coach Erik Spoelstra added that it is “all like a bunch of gibberish.” The players and staff seem unfazed by all this publicity, and only have their eyes on continuing their win streak. Butler also spoke to the media to address the situation, but didn’t deny or confirm any part of the reports.
As much as there could be some truth to Charania’s initial reports that the Heat are officially open to listening to trade offers for Butler, that is nothing more than Miami doing the due diligence. Butler is on a contract year, and the front office has to at least be open to options if they are presented, rather than potentially lose the star for nothing in free agency.
Butler has never requested a trade, and the Heat are not 'aggressively shopping' him.
The recent remarks from Lee could be a good indicator that it’s more likely Butler remains in Miami moving forward, at least throughout the 2024-25 season.
He could opt out of his $48 million contract at the start of the summer and test the free agent market, if the Heat don’t offer an extension by then. But this is a player who has iterated several times over the course of his tenure in South Florida that he plans on retiring with the franchise. Butler’s admiration for the city and organization has been noticeable, although he needs to do what is best for himself and his family at this stage of his career.
As he enters his age-36 season by next year, this could be the last major payday of the 14-year veteran’s career. Butler seems to still be in his prime years, as he continues to put up All-Star caliber numbers during this season. He is averaging 19.0 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists on a career-high 56% shooting and 36% from 3-point range.