After agent’s public bashing, Insider Shams Charania doubles down on Jimmy Butler trade rumors

NBA insider Shams Charania did not let Jimmy Butler's agent's words slide and responded to his criticism on the First Take show.

After agent’s public bashing, Insider Shams Charania doubles down on Jimmy Butler trade rumors

Jimmy Butler and Shams Charania

The 2024–25 NBA season is not yet halfway over, but trade rumors are already intensifying. LeBron James has once again been connected to the Golden State Warriors in the hottest rumor. But ESPN’s Shams Charania has begun to suggest that the Heat might trade star Jimmy Butler for the appropriate deal.

However, this did not go down well with Butler’s agent, Bernie Lee. He bashed Charania on X stating that the ESPN reporter was ‘fabricating conversations and stories’. Lee also stated that Charania’s reporting was ‘made-up bullshit.’

However, Charania addressed Lee’s harsh statement and defended his reporting during an appearance on First Take on Thursday. He doubled down and stated that he only reports on the truth.

FS Video

I 1000% stand by my reporting. It’s fully vetted. And as a professional, that’s what I do, that’s what I get paid to do, that’s what I’m going to do. I report truthfully and accurately. That’s what this is. Period.

Shams Charania said

There have been persistent rumors that the Heat are at least considering dealing with Butler. There have also been no reports indicating he wants to leave Miami. However, the Heat’s reluctance to extend Butler’s contract thus far is arguably the strongest piece of evidence in this argument.

Butler, a 13-year veteran and six-time All-Star, has guided the Heat to two Finals trips since 2020. The team is under growing pressure to part ways with him and begin a rebuild. Doing so could help them recover some assets and create a better future after two consecutive failures to reach the playoffs and an aging squad.

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Jimmy Butler chimes in on Shams Charania-Bernie Lee feud

Jimmy Butler‘s agent Bernie Lee stood up to Shams Charania’s distribution of ‘false information‘ about his client’s trade news. The Heat star has since expressed gratitude to his agent for defending him.

Butler also acknowledged that he was enjoying their argument before expressing his love for Lee. In the post-match press conference, he also claimed that it is ‘good to be talked about.’

I f***ing love it. I love it. I am all for the back and forth. I mean, before he’s my agent, I guess we’re like brothers now, we do everything together. But I feel for him and at least somebody is sticking up for me”

Jimmy Butler told reporters

With a reputation for reporting with extreme accuracy, Charania has been an expert in his industry for almost ten years. Now, only time will tell whether he was right or wrong regarding Butler’s trade move involving the Phoenix Suns.