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Earlier this week, we learned Jimmy Butler’s time with the Heat could be nearing an end after Shams Charania got his hands on yet another scoop. However, the guard’s agent took the NBA insider to task while claiming he concocted a false report concerning the teams he’s interested in linking up with.
In 2019, Jimmy Butler found himself playing for a new team for the third time in two years in the wake of the sign-and-trade deal that made him a member of the Miami Heat. That turned out to be a pretty good move for all parties involved, as the franchise hasn’t missed the playoffs since Butler came aboard, and the guard has played an instrumental role in the two NBA Finals runs it’s made during his time there.
Butler is currently in the final year of his contract (which has a $52.4 million player option he could opt to trigger), and on Tuesday, Shams Charania reported the Heat were open to fielding trade offers for the star to get some assets instead of ending up with nothing if he decides to leave in free agency.
On Wednesday, the insider followed up that scoop with another one that asserted Butler was eyeing the Suns, Mavericks, Rockets, and Warriors as potential destinations and asserted that list was based on what had been communicated by his agent, Bernie Lee.
However, it doesn’t seem like that was actually the case based on what Lee had to say in response.
On Wednesday night, the rep hopped online and firmly pushed back against Shams in a string of tweets where he labeled the second report “complete and utter made up bulls—t” while denying he actually relayed any of the information Charania said he had.
I don’t know what I’m going to do because I’m a middle aged dad but just know it would indicate severe dislike. World… all this is fabricated. I have never and honestly it wouldn’t help me or the position I represent to do anything that’s been reported by said “journalist” https://t.co/1KOXza9SKg
— Bernard Lee (@BernieoLee) December 11, 2024
It’s worth noting the initial report about the potential trade seems to have merit when you consider Butler said he isn’t sure what the future holds for him in Miami, but based on those harsh words from Lee, the same can’t be said about the one concerning where he may end up when everything is said and done.
UPDATE: Shams got the chance to respond on Thursday and firmly stood by the initial report.