Jimmy Butler gets real about trade rumors as time with Miami Heat ticks down

Amidst the trade speculations, Jimmy Butler is set to make his return against New Orleans, seemingly unconcerned about his future with Miami.

Jimmy Butler gets real about trade rumors as time with Miami Heat ticks down

Jimmy Butler gives his honest reaction to trade speculations

Amidst the trade rumors surrounding Jimmy Butler, he is trying his best to stay cryptic. As February 2nd approaches, Butler’s trade rumors are also surging. Teams are listening to each other’s offers behind the scenes, trying to free up cap space and secure better draft picks.

Earlier this month, ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania reported that the Heat’s star desires to be traded ahead of the trade deadline, and it’s understandable why. Butler’s insecurity stems from ongoing chatter within the Heat organization regarding the possibility of him being included in a deal package. When asked about the rumors, Butler shared a somewhat peculiar response:

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Who knows? I don’t, but right now, I’m here and I’m going to make the most of it. I am going to compete and I’m going to win. It’s a lot of talk, a lot of noise, which I’m cool with. It doesn’t bother me at all. I love that. I thrive at it. It keeps you all wondering, the world wondering. It’s good to be talked about. Even better to be wanted, though.

Jimmy Butler said

When Butler was asked whether he preferred to be traded and for his opinion on the recent remarks by Miami Heat President Pat Riley, he responded in a dismissive and defensive manner. With Miami owing him a $52.4 million player option, Butler holds significant control over his future.

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Next season, he can either opt in at that salary or decide to opt out to negotiate a better deal with the Heat or become a free agent if he can secure a better contract elsewhere. Jimmy G. Buckets have missed last 5 of his games, due to an ongoing illness. However, he seems to be in a better space and spirit since then and is expected to return in a match-up against the Pelicans New Orleans.

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Is Jimmy Butler still contemplating staying in the Miami?

Jimmy Butler made it clear that he couldn’t care less about where or who he plays for, as he understands that, at the end of the day, it’s business as usual. Nonetheless, Butler is eager to get buckets. He told the media that he brought his family to practice with him and seems to be cherishing his time in Miami, even as the possibility of departure looms.

Does it matter? Does it matter?… I honestly do not care about getting traded, where I’m supposed to go, who’s saying what…. All of that is out of my control anyway. I don’t know, we will see. Only time will tell. I can’t tell you what’s going to happen come tomorrow. I appreciate the statement. But this is a business after all. I won’t have any hard feelings either way.

Jimmy Butler remarked

The keyword for the day was “I don’t know.” Butler is not one to mince words, unlike most athletes. He understands Pat Riley‘s position of not letting him go yet, but either way, he isn’t bothered by it. Having said that, former champ Kendrick Perkins believes otherwise and has even urged Pat Riley to let Butler go.

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Jimmy Butler is averaging 18.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.2 steals this season. Before his injury, in one of his last games, Butler was indeed getting buckets. He ended the night with 35 points on 12-of-21 shooting from the field, including one bucket from beyond the arc. He grabbed a mind-blowing 19 rebounds, 10 registered assists, and recorded impressive hustle stats with 4 steals and a block.