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Jimmy Butler apparently does not want to play in Memphis. Last week, Butler caused a bit of a ruckus when he basically said he wanted to play anywhere but in Miami.
“I want to see me get my joy back from playing basketball,” Butler told reporters. “And wherever that may be, we’ll find out here pretty soon, I want to get my joy back. I’m happy here — off the court. But I want to be back to someone dominant. I want to hoop and I want to help this team win. Right now, I’m not doing that.”
Jimmy Butler: 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. right now I’m not doing that.
Question: Can you get your joy back here on the court?
Jimmy Butler: probably not pic.twitter.com/KfYGR4YFOP
— Brendan Tobin (@Brendan_Tobin) January 3, 2025
While the Heat initially said they weren’t considering trading Butler, they changed their tune following his comments.
Through his actions and statements, he has shown he no longer wants to be part of this team. Jimmy Butler and his representative have indicated that they wish to be traded, therefore, we will listen to offers.
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) January 4, 2025
It appears that the Heat have gotten interest from the Memphis Grizzlies in a potential trade but Butler is actively attempting to shut it down.
Via Chris Haynes
“Leaked sources just related to me that the Memphis Grizzlies along with a few other teams have received word that Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler has no interest in being traded there, so the message is being delivered that a trade shuld not be attempted to acquire the all-star forward”
Butler does have some leverage because he can become an unrestricted free agent this summer, so many teams wouldn’t want to give up too much for him just for a few months.