Jimmy Butler Rumors: Heat SF Hasn't Demanded Trade; Disappointed by Lack of Contract

Jimmy Butler has not officially asked to be traded from the Miami Heat despite being "unhappy" with past contract negotiations, according to Anthony Chiang and Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.

According to Chiang and Jackson, Butler is "disappointed" that the Heat did not offer him a two-year, $113 million extension this summer.

"Butler was open to signing such a deal early in the negotiating window, but his mindset changed when the extension wasn't immediately offered by the Heat," Chiang and Jackson wrote.

Butler still plans to decline his $52.4 million player option and hit free agency after the 2024-25 season, according to Chiang and Jackson.

Team president Pat Riley responded to the trade rumors with a Thursday statement that the Heat "are not trading Jimmy Butler."

Head coach Erik Spoelstra also recently said the team wants to keep Butler, per Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

ESPN's Bobby Marks reported prior to Spoelstra's comment and Riley's statement that there was "a growing consensus" in the NBA that Butler will remain in Miami, unless rumors become distracting or the Heat hear a trade proposal "they cannot turn down."

The Heat are at least listening to trade offers for Butler, according to a report from ESPN's Shams Charania earlier this month.

Charania also wrote that Butler's agent, Bernie Lee, had "indicated in NBA circles" that he would be open to trades to the Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns. Lee later called the story "fabricated," although Charania has stood by the report.

Charania then reported on Wednesday that Butler "prefers a trade out of Miami ahead of the Feb. 6 deadline" rather than playing out the final season of his contract in Miami.

Like Chiang and Jackson, Charania reported that Butler has not officially asked for a trade, but added that he "is believed to be ready for his exit."

Butler was sidelined for the Heat's last two contests and is listed as doubtful under "return to competition reconditioning" on the team's injury report ahead of Thursday night's road game against the Orlando Magic. An absence against the Magic would mark his eighth missed game of the season.