The Miami Heat came close to defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder tonight. Ultimately, they lacked the firepower necessary to counter OKC’s supreme offense. They ended up losing Jimmy Butler, the second-leading scorer for Miami in just seven minutes before Bam Adebayo also left the floor. The 35-year-old forward was dealing with a stomach bug and also twisted his ankle. That’s not all, it only gets worse for the Heat!

Since the offseason, Jimmy Butler has been named as the player to watch out for. His fractured relationship with Pat Riley made him one of the Heat players on the trade block. That continues to be the sentiment. Amidst the wave, the recent news may signal an imminent exit coming sooner rather than later. Or it could be nothing at all.

According to Underdog NBA, Jimmy Butler won’t be traveling with the Miami Heat for their road game against the Orlando Magic. His illness remains the reason for his absence. Thus far, the six-time All-Star has missed six games this season. Given tonight’s outcome, the absence could be a precautionary decision.

But what doesn’t fit is the short road trip. It being a three-hour drive; the air is growing thick with anticipation. Some fans are starting to feel this could be the end of the road for Jimmy Butler.

NBA Fans suspect Jimmy Butler getting traded

Jimmy Butler missing the game due to an illness isn’t what is bothering NBA fans. But his not joining the team is leading to some suspicions. Notably, the fanbase feels Butler is getting close to being traded from the Miami Heat. “Yeah he’s gone“ a fan wrote.

The recent weeks have produced a storm of rumors around Jimmy Butler. It began with Shams Charania reporting the Heat actively hunting for suitors for their veteran forward. Since then, he has also mentioned the 35-year-old has some preferred destinations. Maybe one of them has finally come knocking on Miami’s door.

And that team might very well be the Phoenix Suns. Among the list of teams Butler reportedly prefers to join, they have also had conversations according to some reports. Notably, a swap for Bradley Beal and Butler isn’t ruled out. Hence, one fan felt “Jimmy Butler (illness) will travel to Phoenix immediately“.

Such a move does have its complications, however. Beal is among the few players with a no-trade clause in his contract. Hence, if the player does oppose, Phoenix being a second apron team has no chance to poach Jimmy Butler away from the Miami Heat. But that doesn’t mean others won’t mind doing it.

That’s all the fans feel could be happening. Usually, Butler is present on the sidelines if he does miss time due to injury. The enigmatic star supports his teammates, who Butler always speaks highly of. With him not joining them, the sensation of “Its happening omg“ is beginning to spread at large.

As convenient as it does seem, it still isn’t enough to conclude Jimmy Butler will move away. Aside from his illness, which he may have decided to play through for the Thunder game, Butler also twisted his ankle. Hence, the franchise might prioritize analyzing the injury and perform tests to understand the severity.

In no conversation about trades has Jimmy Butler said he would be open to leaving the Miami Heat. In fact, such talks don’t tend to affect him. He wants to continue playing alongside his close teammates and attain glory for Vice City. But still, one fan did admit “First time I was actually concerned abt the trade talks“.

That has been a common fear among those who support the Heat. Teams such as the Dallas Mavericks or even the Warriors are reportedly very interested in bringing the veteran. And if they give an enticing offer, it’s hard to see how the Heat would decline given their disposition toward Jimmy Butler.