The Miami Heat are set to face a decision over Jimmy Butler as his return from suspension nears.
Jimmy Butler was suspended by the Miami Heat for seven games, a stretch which is due to come to an end on Friday.
Butler is desperate to seek a trade away from Miami for a new team, aiming for a fresh start.
The superstar’s situation was described as ‘flammable’ before the season started, and now it is looking like a dumpster fire.
Jimmy Butler wants to compete for titles and views the Heat being too far away, unhappy with their roster decisions.
Money is also an issue, and it is hard to see a happy resolution for player at team at this point, despite suggestions of a U-turn.
Speaking to ESPN, Shams Charania says Butler has told Pat Riley directly that he wants a trade and will not sign a new deal, and that he will be speaking directly to ownership.
Charania said: “Sources told me that Butler told Pat Riley to his face that he wants to be traded, that he will never again sign a contract in Miami.
“And if he uses that $52m player option that he has in the off-season, it would be only as a trade manouvre.
“And Butler is expected to meet with Heat owner Micky Arison later this week.”
Brian Windhorst told ESPN in the same segment that no team has yet presented the Heat with a viable trade offer.
Miami play the final game without Jimmy Butler against the Los Angeles Lakers, the final match of a road trip.
Butler has been without the team on their travels – but in theory, he is eligible to return for their home game on Friday.
Miami face the Denver Nuggets, the team Butler’s Heat lost against in the 2023 NBA finals.
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