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The Miami Heat are still searching for trade opportunities involving Jimmy Butler ahead of the Feb. 6 deadline, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.
“Butler is indeed an active member of the Heat once again, but league sources stress that Miami is determined to keep exploring trade possibilities between now and the Feb. 6 trade deadline amid real concerns that there is a considerable amount of season left to navigate to co-exist for two parties that would prefer an immediate separation,” Stein wrote.
Butler returned from a seven-game suspension on Friday, playing 33 minutes during a 133-113 loss to the Denver Nuggets.
The Heat suspended the star forward for “multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team,” showing that he “no longer wants to be part of” the organization.
“I guess it’s basketball at this point,” Butler told reporters after making his return. “I know what I’m expected to do while I’m here and try to do that to the best of my ability, but we are where we are.”
Charania and Windhorst noted that the relationship between both sides has been “tense since last spring” after team president Pat Riley announced the Heat would not extend Butler’s contract before the 2024-25 season.
The 35-year-old has a $48.8 million cap hit for the rest of the season and can become an unrestricted free agent once the year comes to a close, although he also owns a $52.4 million player option for his 2025-26 campaign.
Charania revealed on Tuesday that Butler only plans to use his player option as a “trade maneuver” and told Riley that he will not sign a new deal with Miami.
The Heat have already engaged with “multiple teams” regarding the six-time All-Star and have “received offers,” but are hesitant to negotiate further (via Charania).
In 23 starts this season, Butler is averaging 17.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.2 steals per game on 54.7/35.3/79.4 shooting splits.
Despite the forward suiting up for the Heat once again, it appears as though both sides are still interested in parting ways before Feb. 6 at 3 p.m. ET.
