Jimmy Butler Trade Rumors: NBA Insiders 'Far from Convinced' Heat Will Deal Star

Despite both sides seemingly having interest in a move, it reportedly isn't a foregone conclusion that the Miami Heat will deal Jimmy Butler prior to the Feb. 6 trade deadline.

According to ESPN's Tim Bontemps, league sources are "far from convinced a deal is guaranteed to happen" by the deadline.

After Thursday's 128-115 loss to the Indiana Pacers, during which Butler had only nine points and was a team-worst minus-27, he indicated to reporters that he wanted to be traded, saying:

"I want to see me getting my joy back playing basketball. Wherever that may be, we'll find out here pretty soon. I'm happy here off the court, but I want to be back to somewhat dominant, I want to hoop and I want to help this team win, and right now I'm not doing it."

While the Heat previously went on record saying they would not trade Butler, they suspended him Friday for seven games for "multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team," and confirmed in a statement that they are open to trading him, saying; "Through his actions and statements, he has shown he no longer wants to be part of this team. Jimmy Butler and his representative have indicated that they wish to be traded, therefore, we will listen to offers."

Given that Butler can become a free agent during the offseason if he declines his player option, which he will almost certainly do, it would likely behoove Miami to trade Butler if it can.

However, as noted by Bontemps, that could be easier said than done because of some of the restrictions in place.

For starters, the Heat are reportedly "reluctant" to take back long-term money in a trade involving Butler since it would limit their flexibility in terms of other moves in the future.

Bontemps also alluded to the fact that it has become more difficult to trade highly paid players in general due to the apron structure. The Heat are over the first salary cap apron, meaning they cannot take on more salary than they trade away in a deal.

Despite the obstacles, the Heat may still be motivated to trade Butler since it seems clear that he no longer wants to play in Miami.

The six-time All-Star is having a down year as well, as his 17.6 points per game are his fewest since his third NBA season in 2013-14.

Although the 35-year-old veteran has helped create some special memories in Miami, including leading the Heat to two NBA Finals appearances, the team doesn't appear to be on that level this season.

The Heat are sixth in the Eastern Conference, but at 17-15, it is difficult to envision them giving top teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics and New York Knicks a run for their money come playoff time.

Trading a player of Butler's talent and experience during the season would conceivably lead to a short-term dip, although that may not necessarily be true if he is no longer all in as a member of the Heat.

The Heat could possibly get some pieces in a Butler trade or a separate deal that would help them right away and keep them competitive, while also helping them build toward next season and beyond.

Whether Butler is traded or not, all signs point toward Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro being Miami's core moving forward, and it may be in the best interest of everyone involved to remove Butler from the equation as soon as possible.