Miami is still processing what just happened. Jimmy Butler wants out? The same Jimmy who last year said winning a chip with the Heat would mean “everything” to him. Shams Charania’s report made it clear that Butler wants out of Miami before the Feb 6 trade deadline and the rumors have already started swirling around the 6-time All-Star. The Heat were not featured among the Christmas games, but Erik Spoelstra wasn’t spared of the inevitable Jimmy Butler-related questions.

“We want Jimmy here. There’s no ifs, ands or buts about it,” the Miami head coach declared when the question about the speculations popped up during the pregame press conference before tonight’s game against the Magic. He also highlighted that it’s unfortunate they don’t have any control over the outside noise.

Despite efforts to press the 54-year-old head coach on whether Jimmy had confided his plans to be traded from Miami, Spoelstra simply replied,

 “The more any of us talk about it, the more fuel it gets. It’s just really unfortunate that it just continues to build momentum outside of our building.” While Spoelstra expressed his and the franchise’s desire, there has been complete silence from Jimmy’s agent, Bernie Lee.

In fact, when he was asked about the growing rumors surrounding his client’s potential trade, Lee avoided the question, by simply denying to comment, as per

Miami Herald’s Anthony Chiang. But when Shams broke the news about Jimmy, Lee lashed out at him calling his reporting fabricated news.

Besides the multiple link-ups, the 35-year-old’s absence in two consecutive games due to an unknown illness has raised suspicion within the NBA community. Amid all the rumors, the franchise’s president confirmed their stance.

Pat Riley sheds light on Heat’s plan regarding potential Jimmy Butler trade

Since this summer, Heat President Pat Riley had dropped hints that the franchise wouldn’t be offering Jimmy Butler the $113 million extension he was seeking. However, with rumors of potential suitors emerging for Jimmy Buckets, a new twist has surfaced.

The Godfather recently made a statement saying, “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.”

This could suggest that the Heat will be looking to negotiate terms with Jimmy. He is earning $49 million this year and will have a $52 million player option for next season. If no final offer is made to him, he might opt for the player option and enter free agency. But everything depends on him now. Do you think Jimmy will start a new chapter in this transfer window, or will he stay with the Heat? Let us know what you think!