The Jimmy Butler era of Heat basketball appears to be coming to an end.
Butler has stated unequivocally that he no longer wishes to be a part of the organization after five and a half seasons and two Finals appearances.
Following a loss to the Pacers on January 2, Butler questioned his ability to rediscover his joy on the court while wearing a Miami uniform, laying the groundwork for the situation to unravel.
Shortly after Butler’s media session, ESPN’s Shams Charania and Brian Windhorst reported that Butler expressed a desire to be traded and “is open to playing anywhere other than Miami.”
As both parties appear to be heading for a split, The Sporting News will keep you up to date on the latest developments involving Butler and the trade market.
Jimmy Butler trade rumors tracker
Warriors likely out on Butler
Date: Jan. 4
Source: The Athletic
Golden State is reportedly passing on Butler. Instead, the Warriors are more interested in adding a player like Vucevic. The latter is much more likely given his more manageable contract. Butler would cost more than twice as much as rostering Vucevic.
Heat suspend Jimmy Butler, will listen to offers
Date: Jan. 3
Source: Miami Heat
Butler has been suspended by the Heat for seven games for conduct detrimental to the team. Miami cited his conduct throughout the season, with a focus on the last few weeks.
The Heat also stated that they are well aware that Butler wants to be traded and will now consider offers.
Miami HEAT statement on Jimmy Butler:
We have suspended Jimmy Butler for seven games for multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team over the course of the season and particularly the last several weeks.
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) January 4, 2025
Jimmy Butler requests trade and ‘is open to playing anywhere other than Miami’
Date: Jan. 2
Source: Shams Charania and Brian Windhorst, ESPN
After losing to Indiana, Butler “indicated” to the franchise that he wanted to be traded.
According to Charania and Windhorst, Butler has no preferred destinations and “is open to playing anywhere other than Miami.” According to the report, Butler’s decision was influenced by Heat officials’ implication that he did not give his all during the team’s Jan. 1 win over the Pelicans.
Heat issue statement reaffirming commitment to Butler
Date: Dec. 26
Source: Miami Heat
In response to trade rumors surrounding Butler, Heat President Pat Riley issues a definitive statement stating that the team will not engage in trade talks.
We usually don’t comment on rumors, but all this speculation has become a distraction to the team and is not fair to the players and coaches. Therefore, we will make it clear – We are not trading Jimmy Butler.
Jimmy Butler ‘prefers trade’ out of Miami
Date: Dec. 25
Source: Shams Charania, ESPN
During the NBA Christmas Day slate, Charania reports that Butler “is believed to be ready for his exit” from Miami.
Butler’s desire to move on is said to stem from failed contract extension negotiations in the summer of 2024. Butler, 35, has a player option for the 2025-26 season and seeks longer-term stability.
According to Charania, Butler’s preferred destinations at the time were the Suns, Warriors, Mavericks, and Rockets.
Jimmy Butler contract
Butler signed a three-year contract extension worth $146.4 million with the Heat in 2021. This season, he will earn $48.8 million as part of the extension.
Butler has a $52.4 million player option for the 2025-26 season, but he is expected to opt out of the final year to gain more long-term flexibility on what may be his final major contract. He’ll turn 36 in September.
| Season | Age | Salary |
| 2024-25 | 35 | $48,798,677 |
| 2025-26 | 36 | $52,413,394 (PO) |
| 2026 | 37 | UFA |
