The Jimmy Butler era of Heat basketball appears to be nearing its end.
After five and a half seasons and two trips to the Finals, Butler has made it clear he no longer wants to be part of the organization. Following a loss to the Pacers on Jan. 2, Butler doubted his ability to rediscover his joy on the court while wearing a Miami uniform, setting the stage for things to unravel.
Shortly after Butler's media session, ESPN's Shams Charania and Brian Windhorst reported that Butler indicated he would like to be traded and "is open to playing anywhere other than Miami."
As both parties appear poised for a split, The Sporting News will keep you up to date on the latest chatter surrounding Butler and the trade market.
SN's NBA HQ: Live NBA scores | Updated NBA standings | Full NBA schedule
Jimmy Butler trade rumors tracker
Butler has 'tripled down' on his trade request
Date: Jan. 21
Source: Shams Charania, ESPN
While Butler's suspension has been lifted and he has returned to the court, the 35-year-old remains adamant about being moved to another team, per Charania. Butler "has tripled down on his trade request" by informing Heat ownership that he would like to be dealt.
The latest report adds that Miami has had some "productive conversations" about a potential deal and the possibility of it being a multi-team trade is still on the table. While Butler is showing up for work, everyone gets the feeling that his days in a Heat uniform are numbered.
Heat considering imposing a harsher penalty on Butler
Date: Jan. 15
Source: Chris Haynes
As Butler nears the end of his seven-game suspension, Haynes reports that Miami is considering changing the designation of the punishment from "conduct detrimental to the team" to "refusal to provide services."
While the situation is "fluid," a switch in designation would double the fines that Butler is receiving from the franchise. Haynes added that this development is another example of level to which the relationship between Butler and the organization has fractured.
Butler makes direct trade demand to Pat Riley in face-to-face meeting
Date: Jan. 14
Source: Shams Charania, ESPN
Butler reiterated his desire to be traded in a face-to-face sit-down with Heat president Pat Riley, Charania reported Tuesday.
According to Charania, Butler informed Riley that he will not re-sign with the franchise and plans to use his $52.4 million player option for the 2025-26 season "as a trade maneuver."
Charania's report comes one day after NBA insider Jake Fischer shed light on Butler's suspension and why Miami took action.
Suns are prepared to offer Butler $121 million extension
Date: Jan. 9
Source: Kendrick Perkins, ESPN
During an appearance on the "Road Trippin" podcast, Perkins said his sources are "telling me that the Suns have a two-year, $121 million extension waiting on Jimmy."
Perkins added that the chatter is rooted in the relationship between Butler and Kevin Durant, going as far as to say that if and when Phoenix acquires Butler, it will also sign Durant to a contract extension.
Butler only interested in signing new contract with Suns
Date: Jan. 9
Source: Chris Mannix, SI
Mannix reports that Butler has "made it pretty obvious" that he only wants to play for the Suns, which lines up with the report that Phoenix is the most aggressive suitor for the veteran. If it is true, then the Heat and Suns could be in for a staring contest until the NBA trade deadline on February 6.
Butler not interested in being traded to Grizzlies, among other teams
Date: Jan. 7
Source: Chris Haynes, NBA insider
"The Memphis Grizzlies along with a few other teams have received word that Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler has no interest in being traded there," Haynes said in a video posted to X Tuesday.
Memphis was viewed as a potential landing spot but Butler's impending free agency gives him leverage with teams that could try to make a move.
Suns are only team willing to give Butler the contract he desires
Date: Jan. 7
Source: Brian Windhorst, ESPN
During ESPN's "First Take" Windhorst explained that the root of these issues is when Pat Riley said the franchise would not be extending Butler's contract. While Butler is seeking an extension, he is not willing to sign with anyone.
Among interested teams, however, the Suns are willing to meet each of Butler's requests.
"Jimmy Butler isn't going to extend with any team. And so, because teams know that, they're offering the Heat right now the poo-poo platter," Windhorst said. "There's only one team that is ready to pay Jimmy Butler exactly what he wants, and that's the Phoenix Suns."
Warriors likely out on Butler
Date: Jan. 4
Source: The Athletic
Golden State is reportedly out on Butler. Instead, the Warriors are more interested in adding someone like Vucevic. The latter is much more likely due to his more manageable contract. Butler would cost more than double what rostering Vucevic would.
Heat suspend Jimmy Butler, will listen to offers
Date: Jan. 3
Source: Miami Heat
The Heat have suspended Butler for seven games due to conduct detrimental to the team. Miami cited his conduct over the entirety of the season and paid particular attention to the past few weeks.
The Heat also said that they are very aware that Butler wants to be traded and will now listen to offers.
Miami HEAT statement on Jimmy Butler:
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) January 4, 2025
We have suspended Jimmy Butler for seven games for multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team over the course of the season and particularly the last several weeks.
Jimmy Butler requests trade and 'is open to playing anywhere other than Miami'
Date: Jan. 2
Source: Shams Charania and Brian Windhorst, ESPN
After losing to Indiana, Butler "indicated" to the franchise that he would like to be moved.
According to Charania and Windhorst, Butler does not have a list of favored destinations and "is open to playing anywhere other than Miami." The report adds that his decision was impacted by Heat officials' implication that Butler did not play his hardest during the team's win over the Pelicans on Jan. 1.
Heat issue statement reaffirming commitment to Butler
Date: Dec. 26
Source: Miami Heat
In response to trade rumors surrounding Butler, Heat President Pat Riley issues a definitive statement indicating the franchise will not be engaging in trade talks.
We usually don't comment on rumors, but all this speculation has become a distraction to the team and is not fair to the players and coaches. Therefore, we will make it clear - We are not trading Jimmy Butler.
Jimmy Butler 'prefers trade' out of Miami
Date: Dec. 25
Source: Shams Charania, ESPN
During the NBA Christmas Day slate, Charania reports Butler "is believed to be ready for his exit" from Miami.
Butler's desire to move on reportedly stems from failed negotiations on a contract extension during the summer of 2024. Butler, 35, has a player option for the 2025-26 season and seeks more long-term security.
Charania lists the Suns, Warriors, Mavericks and Rockets as Butler's preferred destinations at the time.
Jimmy Butler contract
Butler signed a three-year, $146.4 million contract extension with the Heat in 2021. This season, he is making $48.8 million as part of that extension.
Butler has a $52.4 million player option for the 2025-26 season but is believed to be opting out of the final year to secure more long-term flexibility on what could be his final major deal. He will turn 36 in September.
| Season | Age | Salary |
| 2024-25 | 35 | $48,798,677 |
| 2025-26 | 36 | $52,413,394 (PO) |
| 2026 | 37 | UFA |
MORE JIMMY BUTLER NEWS
- Inside Jimmy Butler's trade request from Heat ahead of Feb. 6 deadline
- Why NBA fans think Jimmy Butler is sending messages with hair color choices
- Ranking best trade destinations for Heat's Jimmy Butler
- Why the Warriors are a real threat to acquire Jimmy Butler