Jimmy Butler predicted to make new U-turn amid Miami Heat trade rumors, ‘I think there is a strong likelihood…’
Jimmy Butler is one of the hottest names on the NBA trade market, but at least one insider thinks he’ll stick around.
For the entire NBA season, the Miami Heat have been expected to trade Jimmy Butler ahead of the Feb. 6 trade deadline. He is currently five games into a seven-game suspension after butting heads with Heat president Pat Riley, which only added fuel to the trade speculation.
At 35 years old, Butler is nearing the end of his prime, but he is still one of the top players in the league and one of the very best competitors. However, with a $52 million player option for next season, teams so far haven’t been eager to trade for him.
At least one league insider thinks Butler and the Heat can fix their marriage.
‘Miami needs Butler’ says Bobby Marks
On Saturday, ESPN senior writer Bobby Marks called into NBA radio to discuss Butler’s impending free agency. No matter if he is traded or not, Butler is expected to test free agency this summer and land a longer deal than the one season left on his contract.
Marks, however, seems to think that Butler will be unable to pass up a guaranteed $52 million.
“I think there is a strong likelihood that he’s on this roster when we get past February 6th, and he picks up that 52,” reported Marks. “I know it’s been reported that he’s going to decline that option and become a free agent. But when you have $52 million on the table, you have to have a home to go to.”
Butler and Riley have clashed before, but the “Heat Culture” of grit and sustained winning appeals to the six-time All-Star, which is why it seems like they might be able to mend their relationship.
“So, I think it would be more likely to opt into the contract and then see where you stand as far as from a trade standpoint here,” he continued.
“Both sides need each other. I don’t know how the train got off the track here, but Miami needs Butler and Butler needs Miami.”
Where do the Butler rumors stand
Butler has been on the market for the entire season and even the offseason after Riley encouraged him to “shut his mouth” after their first-round exit last season.
Butler has forced his way out of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Philadelphia 76ers already in his career, and his “me-first” attitude may have dissuaded teams from chasing him.
He has been linked closely to the Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns, but the Suns are unable to trade for him unless they package Bradley Beal in a deal, and the Warriors might not be as interested as initially reported.
With waning interest around the league and Miami still being competitive, Marks might be onto something: it’s hard to imagine Butler playing anywhere else.
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