Heat's Pat Riley Denies Trading Jimmy Butler
Six-time Pro Bowler Jimmy Butler will not be leaving the Miami Heat, according to a statement made by team president Pat Riley on Thursday.
Riley addressed the rumors surrounding Butler, stating, "We typically do not comment on speculation, but the constant speculation has become a distraction for the team and is unfair to our players and coaches. Therefore, we want to make it clear - Jimmy Butler is not up for trade."
Numerous media sources have been reporting for weeks that Butler's time with the Heat is coming to an end. The 35-year-old small forward has been with the team since the 2019-20 season.
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According to ESPN, Butler is "ready to move on" and has expressed his desire to be traded before the February 6 deadline. The report also stated that the Heat have been listening to offers for Butler.
Butler is currently making $49 million this season and has a player option for $52 million in the 2025-26 season, which he reportedly plans to decline in order to become a free agent in July.
So far this season, Butler has been averaging 18.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.9 assists in 20 games (all starts), while shooting a career-high 55.2 percent from the field.
Butler has missed the last two games due to an illness and is listed as doubtful for Thursday's game against the Orlando Magic.
Throughout his career, Butler has averaged 18.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.3 assists in 834 games (729 starts) with the Chicago Bulls (2011-17), Minnesota Timberwolves (2017-18), Philadelphia 76ers (2018-19), and the Heat. He has been selected to the Pro Bowl in 2015-18, 2020, and 2022.
