The situation between Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat has gradually progressed. Following the Heat’s 128-115 loss against the Indiana Pacers on Jan. 2, ESPN’s Shams Charania and Briand Windhorst reported that Butler wants to play for a different organization. In an interview with reporters that same day, he stated that he no longer finds playing for Miami enjoyable.
This brought attention to the teams linked to a trade for Butler. The Milwaukee Bucks are among the teams reportedly interested in acquiring the disgruntled star. However, an NBA Insider revealed that the Bucks have been informed not to trade for the six-time All-Star.
On Tuesday, Kevin O’Connor wrote about the situation in Miami on X, formerly Twitter.O’Connor claims that other teams, similar to the Bucks, have also been instructed not to pursue a deal. The Memphis Grizzlies were another club that was halted.
“Lot of rumblings that the Milwaukee Bucks have also been informed not to trade for Jimmy Butler,” O’Connor revealed. “@ChrisBHaynes reported earlier the Memphis Grizzlies were told not to. That’s now two playoff teams Butler could be refusing.
Lot of rumblings that the Milwaukee Bucks have also been informed not to trade for Jimmy Butler.@ChrisBHaynes reported earlier the Memphis Grizzlies were told not to. That’s now two playoff teams Butler could be refusing.
So…does Pat Riley give Jimmy what he wants?
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) January 7, 2025
It’s been reported that Jimmy Butler isn’t interested in playing for a stacked team. The Phoenix Suns, who have All-Stars Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal, are still at the top of his list, though.
Jimmy Butler believes he’s still in his prime
Although Jimmy Butler is having a down year for the Heat in the 2024-25 NBA season, the star believes he’s still at the top of his game. In an interview with The Washington Post’s Ben Golliver on Tuesday, Butler has faith in his ability.
“I still think I’m in my prime if I’m being brutally honest,” Butler said. “Now, as this coffee life takes off, I’m going to be in here daily making coffee, enjoying the vibes and letting everybody see and know that it’s not a gimmick. This is my passion, and it’s going to be my passion even when I’m done playing.”
“I still think I’m in my prime if I’m being brutally honest.”
– Jimmy Butler
(Via @washingtonpost ) pic.twitter.com/GvwQU5zzYp
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 7, 2025
While he believes that he’s still one of the best players in the league, his numbers fail to back his claim. In 22 games played, Butler is averaging 17.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.7 assists in 37.5% shooting from deep.
Currently, the Heat star cannot improve his numbers as he’s in the middle of a seven-game suspension issued by the franchise. This came after he made his intentions known about wanting to get traded this season.
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Reign also writes NBA and WNBA news updates on Sportskeeda. He started as a feature writer for AirAlamo, an NBA website that covers the San Antonio Spurs. Some of his work can also be seen with Valley of the Suns, a Phoenix Suns-centric website, where he served as a contributing writer.
