Aside from December being filled with Christmas songs and decorations, NBA trade rumors have also dominated the month.
One of the league’s biggest names, who has been at the center of many trade talks, is aging Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler. There had been rumors that he was hopeful that his time in South Beach was coming to an end, and on Thursday, ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania provided a major update on the situation.
Charania confirmed that the six-time NBA All-Star, who led the Heat to two NBA Finals appearances, prefers to be shipped away and has his eyes set on a team that is a contender.
“Six-time NBA All-Star Jimmy Butler prefers a trade out of Miami ahead of the Feb. 6 deadline, league sources told ESPN,” wrote Charania.
Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22).
Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Charania confirmed that Butler has yet to make a formal trade request, but the insider did explain that moving Butler would benefit both parties. It allows Butler to chase after that elusive championship ring, while also allowing the Heat to build around their duo of young stars in Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro.
To make himself more attractive in the trade market, Charania also revealed that Butler will be declining his $52 million 2025-26 player option, which means whoever lands him is likely getting a one-year rental. Despite playing in the East for nearly all of his career, Charania revealed the teams Butler is willing to play for, and they all happen to be in the West.
“Butler is open to trade destinations such as the Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets, league sources said,” wrote Charania. “Multiple teams have called the Heat to express interest in Butler in the past two weeks, but Miami has not shown urgency in talks as the franchise monitors the first half of the season, those sources said.”
Despite the fact that he appears to be approaching the final stretch of his career at 35 years old, Butler has shown that he still has something left in the tank in the 20 games he’s played this season. In 31.4 minutes of action per game, Butler is averaging 18.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.9 assists while shooting a career-high 55.2% from the field.
Whichever team makes a move for him would be getting one of the league’s most intense players who can provide a major scoring boost if needed.
