Miami Heat’s Jimmy Butler won’t be able to play against the Orlando Magic on Thursday. The six-time NBA All-Star had conditioning issues prior to the game and was predicted not to suit up. Butler has missed the past two games due to an unspecified illness. It will be his eighth absence. The star forward averaged 18.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.9 assists, good for 55.2%. The Heat lost 3-4 without Butler.
His elusive status for Thursday’s game comes at a crucial time as he is involved in a plethora of trade rumors. According to NBA insider Shams Charania, Butler has not demanded a trade. However, he is prepared for his eventual departure from the heat. Charania also reported that Butler and the Heat disbanded after the franchise failed to strengthen its supporting cast.
Over the past three seasons, Miami has missed several top prospects, including Kevin Durant, Donovan Mitchell, Kyrie Irving, Damian Lillard and Bradley Beal. Their big addition is Terry Rozier, who joined the team at the 2024 trade deadline.
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Jimmy Butler led the Heat to a playoff berth in each of his previous five seasons, including two Finals appearances and a conference finals finish. His time away from the team amid trade rumors has only increased speculation surrounding his possible departure.
Miami Heat are showing no urgency to trade Jimmy Butler
Jimmy Butler has made sure he turns pro in his sixth season with the Miami Heat. Barring injuries, he is fit and has played to his potential to give Miami a legitimate shot at regular season success despite the trade rumors. Now that that’s the case, the Heat are reportedly showing no urgency to trade him.
He still has a player option worth $52 million after this season, and both sides appear to be taking advantage of that in this tense situation. If Butler leaves, he could move to the Western Conference. According to Shams Charania, Butler’s favorite landing spots are the Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets and Phoenix Suns.
The Warriors and Rockets seem more likely because they have the pieces and resources to make a trade work. However, only time will tell whether a deal can be reached. Each potential suitor will have nearly six weeks to negotiate a package ahead of the February 6, 2025 trade deadline.
Edited by Arhaan Raje