Report: Jimmy Butler Told Pat Riley Face-To-Face Last Week He Still Wants Heat To Trade Him

According to NBA insider Shams Charania of ESPN, Jimmy Butler told Pat Riley face-to-face last week that he still wants the Miami Heat to trade him. 

One of the top players in the NBA, Butler will not sign a new deal in Miami. He can become an unrestricted free agent this offseason by declining his 2025-26 player option worth $52 million. 

Since Butler doesn’t have a no-trade clause in his contract, he can’t control his trade request.

The last time Butler spoke to the media before getting suspended by the Heat, he said, “I want to see me getting my joy back playing basketball. Wherever that may be, we’ll find out here pretty soon. 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 can get his joy back on the court with the Heat, Butler responded: “Probably not.”

Butler has played for the Chicago Bulls, Minnesota Timberwolves, Philadelphia 76ers and Heat. He has career averages of 18.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.6 steals and 0.4 blocks and has made five All-NBA teams and five All-Defensive Teams. 

The Phoenix Suns are interested in acquiring Butler. Suns guard Bradley Beal would have to waive his no-trade clause for Butler to land in Phoenix and the Heat and Suns would have to find a third team to take on Beal since Miami has no interest in acquiring him. 

Beal is making $50.2 million this season.

The Golden State Warriors will not pursue a Butler deal. 

“One issue that led to Butler’s decision to request a trade, sources said, was an implication from team officials that he hadn’t played his hardest in the Heat’s victory over the Pelicans on New Year’s Day,” Charania reported. “Butler had made clear to the Heat before his suspension that he planned to partake in team activities while his status is in limbo, sources said.”