Jimmy Butler Trade Rumors: Heat 'Hesitant' to Negotiate Despite 'Multiple Offers'

The Miami Heat are still trying to drive a hard bargain when it comes to a trade centered around disgruntled star Jimmy Butler, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.

"The Heat have engaged with multiple teams on Butler trade scenarios and have received offers but have been hesitant to negotiate further, sources said," Charania reported Tuesday. "Riley has not shown an urgency in these talks, as the trade deadline looms on Feb. 6, sources added."

The Heat could keep Butler on the roster through the deadline, but rival teams probably won't buy into that idea after Miami issued a seven-game suspension to the six-time All-Star.

Everybody knows Butler wants out at this point, too. Per Charania, he "reiterated to (Riley) in a face-to-face meeting last week that he wants to be traded."

More than anything, Riley's approach to negotiations comes off as an attempt to create some leverage where little to none is being had.

Appearing on First Take on Jan. 7, ESPN's Brian Windhorst succinctly said that the offers the Heat had received to that point "stink."

Beyond the ongoing drama in South Florida, Butler depressed his market further by reportedly having his representatives make it clear he doesn't want to be traded to certain teams. NBA insider Chris Haynes cited the Memphis Grizzlies as one example.

Instead, the Phoenix Suns appear to be the strongest suitor for the veteran forward, but executing a deal is complicated thanks to Bradley Beal's no-trade clause and the $110.8 million he can earn over the next two years. The Suns have to find a third team that wants the three-time All-Star and a destination where he'd be willing to go.

Any team with Butler on its radar has every reason to call his or the Heat's bluff. Either he relents on the wish list of preferred teams, or Miami finally blinks and is willing to accept 50 cents—or less—on the dollar for a player who used to be the franchise cornerstone.