With over two months of the NBA season under our belts, the Christmas games behind us, and teams having played 30-33 games each, we’re closer to the midpoint of the season than the beginning. The February 6 trade deadline is fast approaching, and teams like the Lakers have already made moves to bolster their strong start rather than wait for the team to falter. As is the case every year, there are plenty of trade rumors involving All-Stars who are either “seeking” a trade or being “pursued” by multiple teams. Notable names this year include De’Aaron Fox, following the departure of coach Mike Brown, and Jimmy Butler, whose agent and also Heat president Pat Riley have already denied the swirling rumors.
Butler delivers eye-opening response
Butler’s contract with the Heat expires next season, which would mark seven seasons in Miami – one more than he spent with the Chicago Bulls, the team that drafted him. While he hasn’t won a championship like LeBron James or Dwyane Wade, Butler is undeniably a Heat legend. His two Finals appearances and consistent playoff performances solidify his place among the franchise’s greats. In his six seasons with Miami, Butler has never missed the playoffs and typically elevates his game in the most critical moments of the season and games. This makes the trade rumors surprising, but for the first time, Butler addressed them publicly during a press conference.
True to his personality, he opened with, “That’s a good question. Who knows? I don’t. But right now I’m here.” He also shared that he’s motivated by hearing such rumors and appreciates the attention he’s getting. Butler hasn’t played since December 20, when he left a Heat loss to the Thunder early due to injury. He’s expected to return tomorrow against the Pelicans with the goal of starting 2025 healthy and back on the court. Unless a team offers a compelling trade package, it’s unlikely that Butler will be moved this offseason. At 35, he remains a top-25 NBA player and team leader, though injuries have been his biggest challenge in recent years.
Butler’s Injuries Make his Role Uncertain
The Heat currently have a 16-14 record, good for seventh place in the Eastern Conference. Tyler Herro is playing the best basketball of his career alongside the always reliable Bam Adebayo. Both are still young, which means if the Heat pursue a trade, Butler would likely be the one sacrificed. Through 20 games this season, Butler is averaging 18.5 points per game, his lowest mark since 2018. Injuries have also limited him to 31 minutes per game, his fewest since 2012. Time and injuries spare no one, but if Butler can stay healthy for the playoffs (still a long way off), the Heat could be a formidable opponent for any team. After all, the Heat culture is a real thing.
