After being away from the team for 10 days, Jimmy Butler rejoined the Miami Heat at practice Tuesday and was non-committal about his future with the organization.
When asked if he wants to be traded before the end of the season, Butler said it didn’t matter.
“That’s a good question,” he told reporters after practice.
Asked if there have been talks between his agent, Bernie Lee, and Heat president Pat Riley, Butler said, “next.”
Asked if he wants to be here, Butler says “That’s a good question.” https://t.co/7mRuz1N3VR
— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) December 31, 2024
Jimmy Butler dodged questions about whether he wants to remain with the Heat.
This was the first time Butler spoke with the media since ESPN reported on Dec. 25 that he prefers a trade from Miami before the Feb. 6 trade deadline. Butler, 35, is seeking a new contract and the Heat have so far declined to negotiate an extension.
Butler, who missed the last five games and hasn’t played since exiting a Dec. 20 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first quarter, said he plans to play in Wednesday night’s home game against the New Orleans Pelicans.
During Butler’s absence, Heat personnel were asked about ESPN’s report and Butler’s future. Coach Erik Spoelstra, Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo maintained their attention on the basketball games in front of them. In response to the speculation, Riley released a statement to quash the distraction to coaches and players. "We usually don't comment on rumors, but all this speculation has become a distraction to the team and is not fair to the players and coaches,” Riley said. “Therefore, we will make it clear - We are not trading Jimmy Butler.”
However, Butler has yet to address these reports with the media. Instead, he’s declined to answer questions while reports about his unhappiness continue to circulate.
That will continue to be the case until the situation is resolved. No statement from Riley changes the fact that Butler still doesn’t know where his next contract is coming from after the Heat declined to offer him a two-year, $113 million extension. Butler has a $52.4 million player option for next season. According to reports, he plans to decline his options and test free agency, where he hopes to sign a max contract.
The Heat have indicated that they aren’t worried about losing Butler for nothing in free agency, since only the Brooklyn Nets have maximum cap space and they don’t think Butler will sign with a rebuilding team. Butler would likely need Miami’s help to facilitate a sign-and-trade that lands him a lucrative new contract with another team.
After more than five seasons together, the Heat and Butler are at a crossroads, and their disagreement is playing out in the public sphere more than either would have liked.
Butler can continue to dodge questions from reporters and Riley can make statements declaring the Heat won’t trade him, but Butler’s uncertain future still lingers over this season.