Report: Butler adds Suns to list of acceptable trade destinations
Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler's agent has indicated that the six-time All-Star would be willing to play for the Phoenix Suns as the Heat listen to potential trade offers, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania on Wednesday.
The Suns have $234.5 million in cap allocations and are a second-apron team, meaning one of Bradley Beal, Kevin Durant, or Devin Booker would have to be involved in the trade, according to Spotrac's Keith Smith. Beal also has a no-trade clause built into his contract.
The Heat are reportedly interested in moving Butler ahead of his 2025 free agency. The 35-year-old has a $52.4-million player option for the 2025-26 campaign but has hinted that he won't exercise the option so he can test the open market in search of a new contract. The former Most Improved Player would be eligible to sign a four-year, $243-million deal with Miami or a three-year, $171-million contract with another franchise.
On Tuesday, Charania reported that Butler had included the Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks, and his hometown Houston Rockets as acceptable trade candidates.
Butler's agent, Bernard Lee, took to social media Wednesday night to dispute Charania's reporting, claiming everything the ESPN insider has said about the Heat forward is "fabricated."
Alright listen. I gave you a pass yesterday because I was busy but if you don’t stop putting my name on your complete and utter made up bullshit because you know you normally arent worth my time to acknowledge.. (continued) https://t.co/1KOXza9kUI
— Bernard Lee (@BernieoLee) December 11, 2024
I don’t know what I’m going to do because I’m a middle aged dad but just know it would indicate severe dislike. World… all this is fabricated. I have never and honestly it wouldn’t help me or the position I represent to do anything that’s been reported by said “journalist” https://t.co/1KOXza9SKg
— Bernard Lee (@BernieoLee) December 11, 2024
Butler joined Miami through a sign-and-trade with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2019, agreeing to a four-year, $140-million contract. He inked a four-year extension in 2021 worth $184 million.
The Marquette product led the Heat to two NBA Finals appearances in his first four years with the club, losing to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020 and the Denver Nuggets in 2023.
Butler has admitted he isn't phased by being included in trade discussions.
"It doesn't bother me one bit, and I do appreciate it," Butler said, according to Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald.
Butler is averaging 19 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists in 17 games with the 12-10 Heat.
Miami has won seven of its past 10 games and sit fifth in the Eastern Conference. The team is scheduled to host the Toronto Raptors on Thursday night.