NBA Trade Rumors: Jimmy Butler lost joy playing in Miami
Jimmy Butler admitted that he had lost his joy playing for the Miami Heat, signaling his desire for a trade.
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Butler lost joy playing for Miami
Per NBA insiders Shams Charania and Brian Windhorst, the six-time All-Star has requested a trade from Heat management.
Butler is open to playing anywhere other than Miami and believes he can make any team a contender.
After Heat’s 128-115 loss against the Indiana Pacers earlier, the forward expressed his need to find “joy” again in playing.
“I want to see me getting my joy back playing basketball. Wherever that may be, we’ll find out here pretty soon,” Butler said.
“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, and right now I’m not doing it.”
When asked if he can get his joy back on the court in Miami, Butler responded: “Probably not.”
Fractured relationship
The Butler-Heat relationship has been fragile since last spring when Heat president Pat Riley announced the team would not extend Butler’s contract before the 2024-25 season.
Butler was eligible for a contract extension worth up to $113 million over two years.
The 35-year-old is in the final year of his contract, earning $49 million this season, with a player option for $52 million next season.
ESPN reported that Butler intends to decline his 2025-26 player option and become a free agent in July.
Butler is averaging 18 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.7 assists while shooting a career-high 55.3% from the field this season.
