Is Jimmy Butler Really Hitting the Market, or Is It Just Another NBA Rumor?
Rumors Swirl as Heat Star Jimmy Butler Eyes a Title Contender
Does Jimmy Want Out? Does He Want to Stay?
Some really juicy NBA rumors have been coming out of Florida lately as Miami Heat star and pop culture icon Jimmy Butler has apparently requested the team to consider trading him before this season’s trade deadline.
As reported by ESPN’s new resident NBA news expert Shams Charania (yeah, the guy who took over Woj’s job), Butler would be interested in joining teams like the Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, and Golden State Warriors if a trade possibility were to happen between the Heat and any of the squads.
Citing Butler’s agent, Bernard Lee, Charania went as far as to cite that Lee has been making the rounds around league circles, stating that Butler, a six-time All-Star, would be open to heading to either of the previously mentioned squads.
The Phoenix Suns are another team that Jimmy Butler’s agent, Bernie Lee, has indicated in league circles that the six-time All-Star is open to as a destination while Miami listens to trade offers, sources tell ESPN, joining Dallas, Houston and Golden State. pic.twitter.com/QCXA2uEMXt
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 11, 2024
Of course, Lee took no time in bringing down Charania’s initial report, calling the reporter out for “complete and utter made up BS.”
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
Needless to say, Charania, not ready to take his first “L” as the NBA’s most important reporter, doubled down on his claims saying, “I stand 1000% by my reportings.”
“I 1000% stand by my reporting. It’s fully vetted. And as a professional, that’s what I do, that’s what I get paid to do… report truthfully and accurately. That’s what this is. Period.”
Shams Charania responds to Jimmy Butler’s agent Bernie Lee.pic.twitter.com/8GmyxMHHUT
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) December 12, 2024
So, is Jimmy interested in bouncing from the MIA or what?
Leave It to Butler to Not Give Anything Away
As Miami continues to prepare for its coming NBA games, Butler could not escape the heat behind the whirlwind of rumors being made around a potential departure from Miami. Funnily enough though, with Jimmy being Jimmy, when asked about any long-term plans with the Heat, his answer was simple: “Who knows?”
Not willing to let Jimmy walk away without giving an answer worth reporting when asked if he sees himself or wants to finish his career playing in Miami, Jimmy doubled down on his two to three-word answer clinic and stated a nonchalant “I don’t know.”
Jimmy Butler, when asked about his long-term future with the Heat, said: “Who knows?”
When asked if he wants to spend the rest of his career with the Miami Heat, Butler responded: “I don’t know.”
(Via @Anthony_Chiang ) pic.twitter.com/4AfjPB1zjo
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 11, 2024
Talk about a man with little to say and a whole lot on his plate right now.
Should Pat Pay Jimmy or Let Him Leave?
Of course, while betting odds start to form on whether Jimmy will leave and which team he will land in if he decides to go, how about we touch up on a different subject here? What would need to happen for Butler to stay put in Miami?
First, let’s talk about stats and facts. Even at 35, Butler has been putting up some very strong numbers, especially for a player known to start the season slowly and pick his pace up in the latter half of the regular season and playoffs.
From an NBA picks and predictions perspective, it makes perfect sense for Miami to keep Butler around, especially considering his effect on younger players like Tyler Herro. When in his zone, Jimmy can make Miami an unstoppable force; it’s as simple as that.
Jimmy Butler this season:
2nd in 4th qrt FG% in the NBA
8th in efficiency rating at 23.9%
1st in FG% for all Small forwards at 55.7
Best FG% during his time with MIAJimmy Butler is having his most efficient season of his career at 35 😴 pic.twitter.com/1PM1kM3KE1
— Emo Jimmy (@HeatCulture13) December 12, 2024
Plus, while many people are shipping him out, Jimmy seems to want to stay in Miami. He probably likes the weather, the possibility of having a Cuban sandwich and a guava pastelito any chance he gets, and the commute to Kaseya Center.
It seems more like this is Miami’s decision, specifically Pat Riley’s decision to make here. Why not sit down and try to work out a new deal with Butler? He’s proven he can do the work for the Heat when needed and still has the chops to ball out a couple more seasons at the highest level.
Jimmy Butler would prefer to sign an extension in Miami, but Pat Riley has not shown interest in making it happen, per @WindhorstESPN
(h/t @FirstTake )
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 12, 2024
I’m no basketball negotiations expert whatsoever, but come on Pat, do the right thing. Let the rumors fly by and sign Jimmy to keep him in Miami.
