Heat Coach Erik Spoelstra Addresses ‘Unfortunate’ Jimmy Butler Trade Rumors

Miami has a decision to make in the next six weeks.

Erik Spoelstra watches Jimmy Butler drive on Josh Hart during the Heat's 108–101 win over the Knicks in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on April 30, 2023. / Brad Penner-Imagn Images

The Miami Heat are reeling from the events of Wednesday, when ESPN's Shams Charania gave the team a Christmas gift to forget—a report that All-Star Jimmy Butler preferred to be traded by Feb. 6's deadline.

On Thursday, with the Heat back in action against the Orlando Magic, Miami coach Erik Spoelstra addressed Charania's report head on.

"We want Jimmy here. There’s no ifs, ands or buts about it," Spoelstra said via Ira Winderman of the Sun Sentinel. "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."

Heat's Spoelstra on Butler trade speculation, "We want Jimmy here. There’s no ifs, ands or buts about it." https://t.co/JKHeiL4alH "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."

— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) December 26, 2024

Butler, 35, is seemingly seeking the kind of money he cannot get from the Heat. Charania indicated Wednesday that he would decline a $52.4 million player option for 2026 and become a free agent. Earlier this season reports emerged that Butler would be open to getting traded to one of a handful of contenders around the Association.

For a 14-13 Miami team, Butler is averaging 18.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game.

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