According to a report by ESPN’s Shams Charania, Jimmy Butler reiterated his trade demand to Miami Heat team president Pat Riley in a recent face-to-face meeting. Butler made it clear that he still wants to be traded and will not sign an extension, opting to use his player option for the 2025-26 season to facilitate a move.
The saga began last month when it was revealed that the 35-year-old star is seeking a change of scenery and prefers to be traded before the NBA trade deadline on Feb. 6. Despite efforts to reach a contract extension last summer, Butler and the Heat were unable to come to an agreement.
After the news broke on Christmas Day, Riley issued a statement declaring that the Heat have no intention of trading Butler. However, a week later, Butler expressed his desire to rediscover his joy for playing basketball and help his team win games.
Following a suspension for “conduct detrimental to the team,” the Heat have now opened up to trade offers for Butler. Despite his absence, the team has maintained a 3-3 record on the road trip.
Butler, who is earning $49 million this season, is set to return to the Heat lineup on Thursday. The NBA Players Association has filed a grievance over his seven-game suspension, deeming it “excessive and inappropriate.”