The Miami Heat trade drama has been the talk of the town this season. Every passing day, Pat Riley and Jimmy Butler seems to grow apart further and further. As per new developments, Miami has alleged that Butler was suspended for being late to practice, requesting to fly private and staying in luxurious Airbnb’s on company’s tab.
However, since then, senior NBA insider, Chris Haynes has disputed the slanders, explaining that it happened only “when his father was sick“ and such instances occurred only handful of times. He also disclosed that on several occasions the team was withholding Butler’s salary and made delayed payments due to “accounting error”, at which point “Things just started to feel a little bit off”.
Today, one of Jimmy Butler’s former Heat teammate, Nik Stauskas, joined the discourse, advising Butler to “be a professional” in his business dealings. Stauskas took to Twitter to share his own story.
“When I played for the Nets in 2018, my first two months I got paid less than what I was owed. Wasn’t until my mom pointed it out to the team, that they corrected it. Errors happen. That’s not a legitimate reason to have a bad relationship with the organization. Be a professional“- Stauskas commented on Twitter
When I played for the Nets in 2018, my first two months I got paid less than what I was owed. Wasn’t until my mom pointed it out to the team, that they corrected it. Errors happen. That’s not a legitimate reason to have a bad relationship with the organization. Be a professional. https://t.co/6JXitin7d6
— Nik Stauskas (@NStauskas11) January 16, 2025
Butler and Stauskas were teammates for only two games in 2021 when the latter signed a 10-day contract with the Heat before being relegated to the G-League. The Canadian shooting guard officially retired from basketball in 2024, shortly after being waived from the NBA in 2022.
Currently, the all-star forward is serving his seven-game suspension, which will end on January 17th, just ahead of the game against the Denver Nuggets. Butler is expected to be in the lineup for Friday’s matchup unless he gets traded in the hours leading up to the game.
Chris Haynes reports Jimmy Butler’s reluctance to join Memphis
During his renowned briefs, NBA Insider Chris Haynes reported that a few teams have been informed not to trade for Jimmy Butler by the Butler’s camp, stating that Memphis Grizzlies among other teams have “received word that Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler has no interest in being traded there.” This statement effectively deters any potential franchise considering investing millions into the athlete.
Sources: A few teams have been informed not to trade for Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler. #haynesbriefs pic.twitter.com/200eV8gjxk
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) January 7, 2025
This leaves Butler with only a select few teams that would welcome him on board. However, the Phoenix Suns have emerged as an unlikely bidder, reportedly ready to offer the 35-year-old a two-year, $121 million extension. Apparently, Jimmy G. Buckets would also prefer to be traded to the Suns to play alongside his friend, Kevin Durant.
Unfortunately, there’s one major issue: the Miami Heat isn’t interested in what the Phoenix Suns have to offer, which is impeding the deal. Any progress in this trade remains to be seen, and the pressure is mounting as the February 6th deadline approaches.
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