Jimmy Butler's time in South Florida may be coming to an end.
ESPN reported that the Heat star has indicated to the team that he would like to be traded and is open to playing anywhere in the NBA except Miami.
The report comes shortly after Butler held a candid post-game press conference where he indicated he didn't think he could regain his joy playing for the Heat.
While Butler's dissatisfaction in Miami has become more apparent, he will participate in all team activities and is willing to do anything the Heat asks of him as the situation unfolds, ESPN reported.
The latest report raises the possibility of a showdown between Butler's camp and the Heat, who have been firm in their plan to not trade the star away.
In a statement issued to the media on December 26, Heat president Pat Riley declared: “We are not trading Jimmy Butler.”
Despite the strong statement, it seemed like the Heat and Butler were moving in opposite directions.
The Heat held preliminary trade talks about Butler with several teams, but nothing ever materialized, a source told ESPN.
The outlet noted that there was no urgency in the discussions.
Attempts to mend fences failed despite meetings between Riley and Heat owner Mickie Arison and Butler's representatives.
This came after Heat president Pat Riley said on December 26 that the team had no intention of trading Butler.
“We typically do not comment on rumors, but all of this speculation has become a distraction for the team and is unfair to the players and coaches,” Riley said in a statement issued by the franchise. “So, we will make it clear that we are not trading Jimmy Butler.”
Butler's comments to reporters Thursday night were a disturbing moment that appears to have brought trade rumors back into the spotlight.
“I want to get my joy back from playing basketball, and wherever that may be, we'll find out here pretty soon,” Butler said. “I'm happy here off the field, but I want to get back to a dominant place. I want to play, and I want to help this team win. Right now I'm not doing that.”
When a reporter asked him if he could “get your happiness back here on the field,” Butler replied: “Probably not.”
Butler scored just nine points in the 128-115 loss to the Pacers.
He did not play in the fourth quarter in all three Heat games this week.
Butler and the Heat were unable to reach an agreement on a contract extension over the summer, and he is reportedly willing to decline his $52.4 million player option for the 2025-26 season.
