NBA Rumors: Jimmy Butler 'Tripled Down' on Trade Request; Heat Had 'Productive' Talks

Jimmy Butler is reportedly standing his ground.

ESPN's Shams Charania appeared on Tuesday's episode of NBA Today and said: "Butler has tripled down on his trade request. He did it to Pat Riley's face, and last week he did it to Micky Arison, the team owner and CEO. I'm told the Heat have had some productive conversations on a potential Butler trade this week."

The noise surrounding Butler picked up steam earlier this month when the Heat announced they suspended him for seven games due to "multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team over the course of the season."

The announcement, which came after Butler said he didn't believe he would find his "joy" on the basketball court by remaining in Miami, also said the team was open to trade offers.

Yet a trade will be much easier said than done.

"This is a big number to move, $49 million on his contract this year and $52 million player option for the offseason," Charania continued while suggesting a trade may need to involve three or even four teams to be completed.

Butler has since returned from his suspension and finished with 18 points in a Friday loss to the Denver Nuggets and eight points and seven assists in a Sunday win over the San Antonio Spurs. That means potential suitors can at least take solace knowing the six-time All-Star is taking the court, but Miami likely still doesn't have much leverage.

After all, the entire situation has been quite public. A team statement suspending a player and saying it is open to trade offers doesn't exactly indicate the front office wants to keep him, and he can hit free agency during the offseason by declining his option.

There is also a question about whether he can be the same player at 35 years old as he was at his peak. Teams may not be willing to mortgage their future for this version of Butler if they don't believe he can deliver them a championship.

Miami has until the Feb. 6 trade deadline to make a decision.