IMAGN
A surprise team has been named as a potential suitor for Jimmy Butler. Butler and the Miami Heat have been embroiled in an awkward standoff for the past month after he requested a trade.
Earlier this week, the Heat suspended Butler indefinitely after he missed a team flight and was deemed a distraction by Heat GM Pat Riley.
“The Miami HEAT are suspending Jimmy Butler without pay effective immediately for an indefinite period to last no fewer than five games”
“The suspension is due to a continued pattern of disregard of team rules, engaging in conduct detrimental to the team and intentionally withholding services. This includes walking out of practice earlier today.”
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst says that he’s certain the Heat will trade Butler at a “relatively cheap” price just to get rid of him.
“Jimmy Butler’s gonna get traded.” 😳 @WindhorstESPN says he’s “more sure than ever” that the Miami Heat will trade Jimmy Butler and that teams could acquire him for a “relatively cheap” price. 👀 pic.twitter.com/WH0hBhHIgM
— First Take (@FirstTake) January 28, 2025
Yahoo Sports insider Vince Goodwill is now saying that he believes the Sixers could be “quietly” trying to trade for Butler at the behest of Joel Embiid.
“I’ve heard that Philly quietly could be a suitor for Jimmy Butler…theoretically, it would be a Jimmy for Paul George swap. I believe that Embiid is pushing for them to reacquire Jimmy.”
“I’ve heard that Philly quietly could be a suitor for Jimmy Butler…theoretically, it would be a Jimmy for Paul George swap. I believe that Embiid is pushing for them to reacquire Jimmy.” 👀
(h/t @dru_star )
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 28, 2025
The Heat still have a few weeks to figure out a trade for Butler ahead of the trade deadline and it seems like he’ll be out of Miami soon enough.