We’re approaching trade season in the NBA, and a star who hasn’t been available for a few years could be on the market this winter.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Miami Heat are “open to listening” to offers for Jimmy Butler. The 14-year veteran, who is in his sixth season with the Heat, is averaging 19 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game, and is shooting a career-best 55.7% from the field.
The 35-year-old star has been a difference maker everywhere he’s been, but an NBA title still eludes him. That could be why his agent has reportedly “indicated in league circles that Butler is open” to being traded, though he won’t go just anywhere. According to Charania, Butler’s preferred destinations are the Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks and Golden State Warriors.
Butler is a Houston native and would perhaps like to be closer to home, but all three teams he’s reportedly approved as trade destinations are very competitive and currently above the play-in line. The Warriors, most notably, have been going through some changes lately, with longtime star Draymond Green voluntarily taking a bench role to give 22-year-old Jonathan Kuminga more consistent playing time.
Charania also reported that “teams have been informed” that Butler intends to opt out of his contract at the end of the current season and become a free agent. He said back in October that he’s not concerned with awards or max extensions anymore, and winning is all that matters.
“If we’re being brutally honest, no matter what nothing I do now is going to get me paid any more money, even though I don’t care about the money,” Butler said. “I’m at a point right now where I have more than enough money. I’m just here to win.”
