Last Updated:
When asked if Butler believes he can get that joy back in Miami, he responded: “Probably not.”
Miami Heat’s Jimmy Butler (AP)
In a whirlwind turn of events, veteran forward Jimmy Butler voiced his wish to rekindle his passion for basketball, sizing up a trade away from his beloved Miami Heat.
Butler officially requested a trade from the Heat just hours following a double-digit loss to the Indiana Pacers today.
Not only is the six-time All-Star asking out, but he took it a step further by making known he’s willing to play anywhere except Miami.
In the post-match conference following Heat’s loss to Pacers, when asked what he wants to see happen, Butler didn’t hold back.
“What do I want to see happen? I want to see me get my joy back from playing basketball and wherever that may be, we’ll find out pretty soon. I want to get my joy back. I’m happy here off the court, but I want to be back to somewhat dominant, I want to hoop and I want to help this team win. Right now, I’m not doing that.”
When asked if he believes he can get that joy back in Miami, he responded: “Probably not.”
Butler has been the heart of the Heat since joining them back in 2019. But, over the past year, his relationship with the franchise and Pat Riley specifically soured after the star forward was denied a contract extension beyond this season.
Butler is in the final year of his contract with a $49 million salary, plus a $52 million player option for next season.
There were also reports on Christmas that Butler would prefer a trade from the Heat before the deadline in February, though he hadn’t made a formal request. Heat president Pat Riley strongly rejected the idea, plainly stating, “We are not trading Jimmy Butler” in a statement. Yet, it seems like the tensions have reached a tipping point now and Butler seems visibly dissatisfied to continue in Miami.
His career with the Miami Heat has included two NBA Finals appearances, a league-leading season in steals, and a best Eastern Conference record.
Butler is a six-time NBA All-Star, five-time NBA All-Defensive Team member, and five-time All-NBA Team member.