Miami Heat’s Jimmy Butler not available to play against Orlando Magic on Thursday. The six-time NBA All-Star struggled with his conditioning before the game and was predicted to not suit up. Butler has missed the last two games with an unspecified illness. It will be his eighth absence. The star forward has averaged 18.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.9 assists, shooting 55.2%. The Heat are 3-4 without Butler.
His unavailable status for Thursday’s game comes at a crucial time as he is involved in a host 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 fell apart after the franchise failed to bolster its supporting cast.
Over the past three seasons, Miami has missed out on several top candidates, including Kevin Durant, Donovan Mitchell, Kyrie Irving, Damian Lillard and Bradley Beal. Their notable addition has been 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 and one conference final. His time away from the team amid trade rumors has only increased speculation about his possible departure.
Miami Heat shows no urgency to trade Jimmy Butler
Jimmy Butler has made sure to go pro in his sixth season with the Miami Heat. Barring injuries, he prepared and played to his potential to give Miami a legitimate chance at success in the regular season despite trade rumors. That being the case, the Heat are reportedly showing no urgency in trading him.
He still has a player option worth $52 million after this season, and both sides appear to be taking advantage of that amid this tense situation. If Butler leaves, he could move to the Western Conference. According to Shams Charania, Butler’s preferred landing spots are the Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets and Phoenix Suns.
The Warriors and Rockets seem more likely, as they have the pieces and assets to make a trade work. However, only time will tell if the deal can be finalized. Any potential suitor will have nearly six weeks to negotiate a package before the February 6, 2025 trade deadline.
Edited by Arhaan Raje