Jimmy Butler’s Heat era over? Face-to-face with Pat Riley reveals next season’s plans
Jimmy Butler's suspension is due to end as Pat Riley and Miami Heat work with trade partners to finalize an exit.
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Jimmy Butler has clarified to Pat Riley he wants a trade out of the Miami Heat
Jimmy Butler is about to end his seven-game suspension as trade talks have not materialized. That means, he will be eligible to return to action for the Miami Heat. It also means Pat Riley has to act fast before the beleaguered star rejoins the team.
The 35-year-old has always wanted a revised long-term contract. He has a player option for next season but wants a contract which can help him stay longer. However, Pat Riley does not want to pay a player of that age and with the recent injuries he has endured more than $50 million a year.
When he understood that the franchise does not want him there for the long run, he voiced his frustrations. That led the Miami Heat to suspend him for seven games. Now that the suspension is coming to an end, he can resume playing for the team.
However, with trade talks taking place in Pat Riley‘s office, it is unknown if they want to allow him to return to the team. ESPN’s Shams Charania was speaking with Elle Duncan on Sportscenter, when she asked about an update on Butler’s situation.
Sources say that Jimmy Butler told Pat Riley to his face that he wants to be trade. That he will never again sign a contract in Miami. If he has to utilize his $52 million player option in the offseason, it will be used as a trade maneuver.
Shams Charania said
Reporting for @SportsCenter — Jimmy Butler reiterated his trade request to Pat Riley's face, and the conversations occurring in the next couple of days: pic.twitter.com/cOGbHVJMV1
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 14, 2025
The NBA Insider added that the Heat are working on possibilities where they can either trade Jimmy Butler or keep him away from the team. They could look at reaching a settlement amount where the superstar stays at home until a trade is finalized.
Miami Heat finding clarity as Jimmy Butler stays away
Shams Charania added that even if the Heat are working on a trade, it could take some time. Until then, the distraction Jimmy Butler’s trade has brought to the team has been missing during his seven-game suspension. The Insider added what he felt the team experienced.
We’ve seen Erik Spoelstra, Tyler Herro, Bam Adebayo come out publicly and also privately. Essentially saying that they found a level of clarity with Jimmy Butler away from the team. No chaos in their words, no distraction.
Shams Charania said
The Insider’s words could hold some water as the Miami Heat have been on a road trip during Butler’s suspension. During that time, they have won three games to two, with the first of which was a double overtime loss.
For a team to have such a record on the road without their leading superstar speaks volumes on the mindset of Butler’s teammates. They might not want to see him leave. However, distractions can derail a team, and the Heat’s 4-6 record during the time the star was at odds with the team is proof.
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Joseph Varghese
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