Miami Heat Release Major Statement Amid Jimmy Butler Trade Rumors

The Golden State Warriors may have to choose a new trade target.

Oct 27, 2022; San Francisco, California, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) dribbles past Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) in the first quarter at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images / Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

The talk around the NBA ahead of February's trade deadline has centered around Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler and where he will end up. Recent reports suggested that Butler wanted out of Miami, and labeled the Golden State Warriors, Phoenix Suns, and Dallas Mavericks as his preferred destinations.

The Warriors, who have started their 2024-25 campaign with a disappointing 15-14 record, would make sense as a destination for Butler. Superstar Steph Curry is now 36 years old, so pairing him with another aging high-level star before they both retire in the coming years makes sense for their championship push.

Reporting for NBA Countdown on the line drawn in the sand: Jimmy Butler prefers a trade out of Miami, with two teams at the top of his desired destinations – and how we got here: pic.twitter.com/FLstMhPo3P

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 25, 2024

Unfortunately for the Warriors, the Jimmy Butler trade rumors have been shut down completely as Miami Heat president Pat Riley released a statement.

"We usually don't comment on rumors, but all this speculation has become a distraction to the team and is not fair to the players and coaches," Riley said. "Therefore, we will make it clear - We are not trading Jimmy Butler."

Statement from Pat Riley

"We usually don't comment on rumors, but all this speculation has become a distraction to the team and is not fair to the players and coaches. Therefore, we will make it clear - We are not trading Jimmy Butler."

— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) December 26, 2024

It is rare for a team to shut down a trade rumor like the Heat just did, making it pretty convincing that Butler will not be traded ahead of February's deadline as previously reported.

For any potential suitor like the Warriors, they have to now look in a different direction if still interested in making a splash in the trade market. Golden State's disappointing start could certainly lead to a win-now move to capitalize on Curry's play while they still can, but it seems like the Heat star forward is officially off the table.

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