Jimmy Butler’s relationship with the Heat seems to be going downhill with every passing minute. It was earlier this month that he demanded a trade and got penalized with a seven-game suspension soon after, for conduct detrimental to the team. Latest reports suggested that there were multiple instances where Jimmy missed team practice and even requested private flights instead of traveling with the team. And now, the superstar is set to have a meeting with Heat owner Micky Arison to discuss his future in Miami.

Addressing the worsening situation, veteran insider Shams Charania revealed key details about Jimmy’s recent meeting with Pat Riley, “Sources say that Jimmy Butler told Pat Riley to his face that he wants to be traded. That he will never again sign a contract in Miami. That if he has to utilize his $52 million player option in the offseason, it will only be used as a trade maneuver.”

Yes, it looks like Butler has no intention of staying in Miami despite his suspension coming to an end in a couple of days. Sure enough, this puts the Heat in a tough spot and they might have to reach a decision about Butler’s future by the end of this week, “These next 48 to 72 hours, there will be a lot of conversations, meetings in Miami to figure out where this goes from here… I’m told that will also include another meeting for Jimmy Butler with a Heat official and that’s Micky Arison, the Miami Heat owner.”

Although Jimmy’s relationship with Riley might now be irreparable, the meeting with Arison could be the last hope for reconciliation. Maybe, their conversation could lead to Butler setting his differences aside and committing to the team at least till the end of this season, keeping their title dreams alive. He could opt into his player option, postponing his trade to the offseason as Shams suggested. While the world awaits the decision, JB’s camp is trying to salvage the situation by defending him amid the private flight accusations.

Jimmy Butler’s camp reveals truth about private flights as Heat star prepares for return to the court

Obviously, Butler’s frequent demand to travel privately has not been proven yet. Veteran insider Chris Haynes revealed the forward’s side of the story, “I was told, in the last 5 years, Jimmy took less than 5 separate flights from the team, and 4 of them were during the finals vs Denver when his father was sick.” As per the player’s camp, he only made those demands when he was going through a personal family situation.

While the rumors continue to float, Jimmy Butler is getting ready to suit up for the Heat once again. Yes, his seven-game suspension will end after tomorrow’s Lakers clash and he is eligible to play on Friday against the Nuggets. And despite his wish to get traded, the hoopster needs to be ready to fulfill his duty as long as he is part of the Miami team.

Haynes then remarked, “I’m told he is fully prepared to return to play and play for the Miami Heat if he is not moved by the time that his suspension is lifted.”

Maybe, the meeting with Micky Arison and his return to the floor will help Jimmy Butler decide if he wants to stay till the end of the season or get traded right away. What do you think he should do?