NBA Insider Claims Jimmy Butler Questions Heat’s Ambition

According to James Jackson of The Athletic, Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler was reportedly angry with the management administration for not doing more to improve the team’s roster. “But frustrations over other contenders being more aggressive — the defending Boston Celtics acquiring Kristaps Porziņģis and Jrue Holiday, the Milwaukee Bucks traded for Damian Lillard — […] The post NBA Insider Claims Jimmy Butler Questions Heat’s Ambition appeared first on BlackSportsOnline.

Jan 15, 2025 - 06:00

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NBA Insider Claims Jimmy Butler Questions Heat’s Ambition

According to James Jackson of The Athletic, Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler was reportedly angry with the management administration for not doing more to improve the team’s roster.

“But frustrations over other contenders being more aggressive — the defending Boston Celtics acquiring Kristaps Porziņģis and Jrue Holiday, the Milwaukee Bucks traded for Damian Lillard — have left Butler disappointed with the Heat seemingly not being as ambitious the source said. Last year seemed to mark a crucial pivot point, as Miami brought in Thomas Bryant and Josh Richardson to bolster its roster, which left Butler feeling he had to ‘do the impossible again,’ the source said.”

Butler was suspended by the Heat for seven games on January 3rd for “multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team over the course of the season and particularly the last several weeks.”

Miami also disclosed that Butler made a trade request with his agent. Additionally, the Heat said they were considering trade proposals.

Jimmy Butler looks certain to leave

On Wednesday, Butler will play the Los Angeles Lakers in the seventh and last game of his suspension. On Friday against the Denver Nuggets at home, he is able to rejoin the squad.

The deadline for trades is February 6. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Butler spoke with team president Pat Riley last week and reaffirmed his desire for a trade.

Butler’s current contract is about to expire, but he has a $52 million player option for 2025–2026. That alternative is only a “trade maneuver,” according to Charania.

Butler has played in the NBA for 14 years and has been named an All-NBA player five times and an All-Star six times. On average, the 35-year-old has 4.7 assists, 5.5 rebounds, and 17.6 points.

Before the 2019–20 season, he joined Miami, and he has been an outstanding member of the club, helping the Heat to three Eastern Conference Finals (two of which were in 2020 and 2023).

But it’s obvious that his time in Miami is over.

The post NBA Insider Claims Jimmy Butler Questions Heat’s Ambition appeared first on BlackSportsOnline.