Jimmy Butler may be taking his talents out of South Beach.
According to ESPN, the six-time All-Star reportedly wants to be traded from the Miami Heat before the Feb. 6 deadline.
League sources say Butler is willing to be traded to the Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks, and Houston Rockets.
Currently, Butler has $49 million on his contract with the Heat for this season and a $52 million player option for next year. During the off-season, the two sides failed to reach an extension last summer.
ESPN’s Shams Charania previously reported that the Heat were ready to accept trade offers for Butler. Also, Butler wanted to play for a contender who was in “win-now mode.”
But Bernie Lee, Butler’s agent, blasted Charania’s reporting. He took to social media to vehemently deny that his client was seeking a trade.
“Alright listen. I gave you a pass yesterday because I was busy,” Lee wrote on X (formerly Twitter). But if you don’t stop putting my name on your complete and utter made-up bulls**t because you know you normally aren’t worth my time to acknowledge.”
“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.”
To date, Butler has not formally requested a trade but is believed to be ready to leave the heat.
At 35, Butler is averaging 18.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.9 assists this season. He is regarded as one of the top playoff players in the league. In his five seasons with Miami, Butler has led the Heat to two NBA Finals berths and one additional Eastern Conference.
The Miami Heat have a record of 14-13 and are in the sixth spot in the Eastern Conference.
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