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The relationship between the Miami Heat and Jimmy Butler is officially coming to an end. For the past two weeks, Butler has been at the center of rumors after reports revealed that he had a falling out with Heat GM Pat Riley.
On Thursday night, Butler added fuel to the fire by basically demanding to leave Miami while speaking to local media.
“I want to see me get my joy back from playing basketball,” Butler said after the Heat’s 128-115 home loss to the Indiana Pacers on Thursday night. “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
According to Brett Seigel of Clutch Points, the Heat and Warriors have had trade talks and Miami is demanding Jonathan Kuminga in a potential trade.
Via Clutch Points
“The Warriors and Heat have held discussions with one another regarding Butler this season, league sources confirmed. Although mutual interest between Butler and Golden State exists, Miami has made it clear that Jonathan Kuminga is a player they would want to be included in the framework of a potential deal for their superstar forward. While there are conflicting opinions around the league as to what Kuminga’s long-term future looks like, the Warriors have not been eager to include him in trade discussions to this point.”