Over the past few weeks, much has been made about whether the Miami Heat would trade star forward Jimmy Butler. After ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania first reported that Miami was open to dealing Butler, the star forward's agent completely pushed back on it all.
Read more: Jimmy Butler Agent Goes Off on Shams Charania Following Trade Destination Report
This led to Charania standing by his reporting, causing all sorts of confusion around the league. On Christmas Day, Charania reported that Butler prefers to be traded before the NBA trade deadline.
This sent the league into a spiral again, with more thought coming about a possible trade. However, according to Anthony Chiang and Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald, Butler's agent has declined to comment on the latest reports coming from ESPN.
"Butler's relationship with the team has become somewhat strained in recent months. Butler's agent, Bernie Lee, has declined to comment on ESPN's latest report. A source who has spoken to multiple teams told the Miami Herald that Butler is considered available on the trade market. Butler was non-committal when asked earlier this month if he wants to remain with the Heat."
Miami head coach Erik Spoelstra even commented on the future of Butler with the organization.
"That's just the deal," Spoelstra said of the ongoing speculation surrounding Butler's future with the Heat. "You have to compartmentalize in this business. We want Jimmy here. There's no ifs, ands or buts about it. And it's just unfortunate that you have to control or deal with a lot of the noise on the outside. In terms of this morning, this was a pretty focused group coming off of the last game that we came [to Orlando]."
Heat president Pat Riley even weighed in on the rumors. With Riley getting involved in rumors, it signals the seriousness of the matter.
Read more: Pat Riley Releases Statement on Jimmy Butler Trade Rumors
Butler has been with the Heat since the 2019-20 season. The star has led the team to two NBA Finals and three Eastern Conference Finals during that time period.
The veteran has given his all to Miami but it seems that their future together may be coming to an end soon. Riley can say whatever he wants but Butler can be a free agent at the end of the year.
If Miami wants to avoid losing Butler for nothing over the summer, they would be wise to trade him before the deadline. However, the Heat are currently the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference.
Miami likely wants to contend this season and the best chance of doing so is with Butler staying on the roster.
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