Jimmy Butler is looking to leave the Miami Heat. The star’s remarks following their most recent defeat have undoubtedly made it apparent if his actions over the past few weeks haven’t. Shams Charania‘s report shortly after Butler’s statement that he doesn’t think he will be happy in Miami only served to underline his desire to be dealt with.
This Jimmy Butler trade news is probably one of the biggest stories circulating the NBA lately. Regarding this, the Inside the NBA crew also chimed in with their takes. In particular, Charles Barkley went off at the parties involved.
According to Barkley, the “worst-kept secret” in the game is Butler’s wish to be traded from the Heat.
It’s one of the worst kept secrets in the world. This things has been over… Jimmy has like a $55 million option for next year. It’s great money but he wants an extension. Pat Riley let Dwyane Wade go past his prime. He’s not going to pay Jimmy Butler. Jimmy is mad. He can get mad but this relationship has been over.
Charles Barkley said on the Inside the NBA show
Butler is still playing well this season, but it’s important to note that his average of 17.6 points per game is the lowest he’s ever produced while wearing a Heat uniform. His astronomical $ 55 million contract extension option is too much for the Heat to deal with. In addition to having a career-high shooting percentage of 55.2%, he also averages 5.5 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game. This is in line with his previous seasons’ stats.
“This is one of the worst kept secrets in the world. This thing’s BEEN over.” 👀
The guys in Studio J react to Jimmy Butler wanting a trade 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/v8f814UXDZ
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) January 3, 2025
Pat Riley‘s reluctance to offer the star a new contract deal, however, makes sense given that Butler will soon turn 36. The teams interested in obtaining the multiple All-Stars who guided the Heat to two Finals appearances in six years will be determined by this. All eyes will now shift over to which team can Butler join in the NBA next in the upcoming weeks.
Dwyane Wade once opened up on his exit and relationship with Pat Riley
Three days after leaving the Miami Heat after 13 years, new Chicago Bulls guard Dwyane Wade confirmed that he and Pat Riley had a tense relationship in 2016.
Wade acknowledged the challenging role Riley occasionally plays as the team’s president. That said, Wade has always been a top professional for his side and did not speak any bad about them after departing as well.
It’s going to be a lot of stuff said about me and Pat. First of all, I love Pat. He has a job to do. He has a different hat to wear, that hat sometimes is not to be my best friend. That hat is to be the president of the organization and to be a businessman, and that sucks. You love each other, but the business side comes out, and you have to deal with it.
Dwyane Wade told ESPN
“He carried our franchise…he’s bought so much to our organization.”
Hall of Famer and Heat President, Pat Riley gives Dwyane Wade his flowers 👏 pic.twitter.com/Cze8iDqxX0
— NBA TV (@NBATV) August 12, 2023
Wade was selected fifth overall in 2003 and helped lead the Miami Heat to five NBA Finals and three titles. That sudden shift marked the end of an era for Wade. He is also the team’s top scorer in history. The exit was mainly around Wade’s contract extension where he wasn’t offered a deal according to his requirement.
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