Butler: I don't care about getting traded
Miami Heat wing Jimmy Butler says he isn't fazed by trade speculation.
"I honestly do not care about getting traded, where I'm supposed to go, who's saying what. ... All of that is out of my control anyway," he said Tuesday, according to the Miami Herald's Anthony Chiang.
When asked if he still wants to be with the Heat, Butler responded, "That's a good question," according to the The Associated Press' Tim Reynolds.
It was reported earlier in December that the Heat were shopping the six-time All-Star. Heat president Pat Riley responded last week by saying the franchise won't trade him.
The 2014-15 Most Improved Player said he thrives when surrounded by noise, according to Reynolds.
"It's good to be talked about," Butler said. "Even better to be wanted, though. Remember that."
Butler would prefer to be traded by the Feb. 6 trade deadline, ESPN's Shams Charania reported last week, citing sources. Butler's desired landing spots include the Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks, and his hometown Houston Rockets.
The 35-year-old holds a $52-million player option for 2025-26, and he reportedly intends to decline the option to enter free agency this summer.
Butler has missed Miami's last five games due to an illness but said he'll play Wednesday against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Through 20 games this season, Butler is averaging 18.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.9 assists.