Jimmy Butler’s trade saga was heating up, and it felt increasingly likely for him to be in a new uniform before this season’s trade deadline.
Then, Heat president Pat Riley issued a statement, saying that the Heat are not looking to trade Butler.
We usually don’t comment on rumors, but all this speculation has become a distraction to the team and is not fair to the players and coaches. Therefore, we will make it clear – We are not trading Jimmy Butler,”
Statement from Pat Riley
“We usually don’t comment on rumors, but all this speculation has become a distraction to the team and is not fair to the players and coaches. Therefore, we will make it clear – We are not trading Jimmy Butler.”
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) December 26, 2024
Before the statement, reports indicated Butler wants to join a contender, with the Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks, and Houston Rockets named as his preferred destinations. However, another team – the Los Angeles Lakers – unexpectedly made headlines.
The Lakers are actively searching for upgrades, and realistically, their chances of contending in the playoffs aren’t much different from the teams on Butler’s list. While a move to the Lakers hasn’t gained much traction, franchise legend Magic Johnson has stated his desire for the Miami Heat superstar to land on the Lakers.
“I like Jimmy. He’s mean and physical,” Johnson said.” You’ve almost got to say do you want to win now or do you want to save all that draft capital for later? I say with LeBron, you gotta put out the best team. One thing about Jimmy Butler, in them playoffs, you already know. So I think that’s what I like about Jimmy and Jimmy he already live here. So all the things lined up.”
