**NBA Insider Updates on Potential Jimmy Butler Trade from Miami Heat**
It appears increasingly likely that the Miami Heat may consider trading Jimmy Butler this offseason. The five-year tenure of star wing Jimmy Butler with the Miami Heat could be nearing its end. Following Miami’s first-round playoff loss to the eventual champions, the Boston Celtics, Pat Riley, the head of the front office, publicly criticized Butler.
This criticism came after an injury-plagued season finale that saw Butler sitting out the playoffs. At 34 years old, Butler’s career timeline might not align with the Heat’s current trajectory, leading to persistent trade rumors.
Matt Moore of The Action Network has recently added more substance to these Butler trade speculations.
“Butler has one more year left on his deal with the Heat. The Heat don’t have to trade him. Whether you think having Jimmy Butler disgruntled in the final year of a deal sounds like a fun time is certainly something everyone has to decide,” Moore noted. “But there’s at least a feeling in league circles that if the Heat decide not to extend him at his preferred price, they’ll facilitate a deal.”
Butler is seeking an extension worth around $113 million over two seasons.
**Multiple Teams Interested in Jimmy Butler**
Recent reports indicate that the Philadelphia 76ers and Golden State Warriors are among the teams that would be interested in acquiring Butler if he becomes available for trade.
Butler previously played for Philadelphia during part of the 2018-19 season, and there is a belief within the 76ers’ front office that they erred in allowing him to leave for Miami. The Warriors, meanwhile, are consistently looking to add wings to complement Stephen Curry.
**Jimmy Butler Stats (2023-24):** 20.8 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 5.0 APG, 50% shooting
However, the combination of the contract Butler is demanding and the trade assets Miami would require might be too costly for interested teams. Butler hasn’t played more than 65 games in a season since his time with the Chicago Bulls in 2016-17.
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