The partnership between the Miami Heat and Jimmy Butler is perceived to be melting. The enigmatic star wasn’t awarded an extension and now is the subject of rampant trade rumors. In such times, every game is vital for Butler. One performance could spark a change of hearts. But when facing the Oklahoma City Thunder, the 35-year-old had that opportunity taken away in the very first quarter of the game.

While fighting for a loose ball, Butler and Dort collided. In the same motion, the celebrated forward also twisted his ankle and was rushed to the locker room. Here’s where the confusion begins. According to Ira Winderman, “Moments before Jimmy Butler twisted his ankle, he walked over to the Heat bench during a Heat free throw and requested something from trainer Armando Rivas”.

Since the incident, Jimmy Butler was officially ruled out for the remainder of the game against the Thunder. But the Heat provided an illness as the reason for his inability to participate further. As per Chris Haynes, Butler had been dealing with a stomach bug, which is the reason the Heat star couldn’t return rather than his ankle.

Butler could only log two assists in the time he was out on the floor tonight. However, despite having an uncertain future with Miami, he still seems to be giving it his all. Having played in 19 games so far, Jimmy Butler is averaging 19.4 points on a career-high 55.2% shooting. Just last game, Butler had a standout performance compiling a 39-point triple-double in a loss to the Detroit Pistons.

Jimmy Butler remains unfazed by trade rumors

A tense relationship with the Miami Heat didn’t lead to any animosity from Jimmy Butler’s side. He arrived at media day looking sharp and forwarded the desire to help his teammates win. Thus far, he has played in games whenever possible and put on performances that bring out his devotion toward the Heat Culture.

However, the rumors haven’t stopped. For some athletes, it’s tough to remain engaged with such speculation around their name. To Butler, though, that’s just noise, which he manages to easily dim.

“It’s fine with me. It doesn’t bother me one bit and I do appreciate it. I appreciate going out there and hooping and I appreciate being efficient, being effective, and helping my team win. I don’t ever take playing basketball for anybody for granted,” the ‘Starting 5’ star told Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald.

Although he might not want to leave, the Heat’s rumored stance to part ways has attracted a lot of interest. Even though in the latter stages of his career, Jimmy Butler’s captivating competitive spirit and drive are the things winning teams desire. There is bound to be a ‘bidding war’ with teams such as the Denver Nuggets, Warriors and Mavericks said to be making their play.

Of course, this might not be the trajectory that Jimmy Butler would have wanted things to go. All along, he has wanted to win a championship in Miami. Unfortunately, this situation remains out of his hands, even if he is leaving it all out on the floor each time he dons the Heat jersey.

Do you think Butler will remain a part of the Miami Heat till the end of the season? Let us know your views in the comments below.