NBA All-Star Jimmy Butler has formally requested a trade from the Miami Heat, according to ESPN.
Despite his trade request, sources say Butler plans to fully participate in team activities and fulfil the Heat’s expectations while the situation unfolds.
Following Miami’s 128-115 loss to the Indiana Pacers on Thursday night, where Butler scored only nine points, the 35-year-old spoke on his discontent in Florida.
“I want to see me getting my joy back playing basketball. Wherever that may be, we’ll find out here pretty soon,” Butler said.
“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, and right now I’m not doing it.”
When asked if he could rediscover his passion for the game while staying in Miami, Butler responded: “Probably not.”
In both games this week, head coach Erik Spoelstra opted not to play Butler during the fourth quarter and reports have said the management team inside the Heat have suggested the six-time All-Star is not putting his all into the game right now.
“Probably not.”
—Jimmy Butler when asked if he could get his joy back in Miami. pic.twitter.com/5gahEJxWM7
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 3, 2025
Addressing criticisms of his effort, Butler added: “I’m going out there to compete either way; whether I score nine points or 29 points, I will compete.
“You won’t say I’m not out there playing hard. It may look like that because my usage is down and I don’t shoot the ball a lot, but [you can’t say] I’m not playing hard.”
Despite Butler’s request, the Heat have shown no urgency to move him.
Just days ago, a statement was released rejecting the idea of trading their star player. “We will make it clear – we are not trading Jimmy Butler. This was said in response to reports of Butler’s trade preferences, which included the Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, and Dallas Mavericks.
Butler is currently in the final year of a contract worth $49 million this season, with a player option for $52 million in 2025-26.
Teams have been informed that Butler intends to decline this option and enter free agency next summer.
In his five years with Miami, Butler has been a driving force behind two NBA Finals appearances and an additional trip to the Eastern Conference finals.
However, his recent frustrations and reduced role may mark the end of his tenure in South Beach.
