Jimmy Butler, the Miami Heat star, has reiterated his desire to be traded during a recent meeting with team president Pat Riley. Reportedly, Butler has communicated that he will not sign an extension with the Heat and intends to leverage his $52 million player option for the 2025-26 season to facilitate a trade.
The 35-year-old forward's trade request follows a failed attempt to negotiate a contract extension last summer, with his current situation spurred by a need for a rejuvenating change of environment. Butler's frustrations were further highlighted when the Heat suspended him for seven games due to conduct deemed detrimental to the team.
Despite the tumultuous circumstances, Butler expressed a desire to regain his joy in playing basketball. He emphasized that while he finds happiness off the court, he is not performing at the level he aspires to. As the Heat currently sit at 20-18 and in seventh place in the Eastern Conference, Butler's absence has been felt, with the team managing a 3-3 record during his suspension. He is expected to return just before their upcoming home game following a six-game road trip.
