Miami Heat’s Jimmy Butler unavailable to play against Orlando Magic THURSDAY. The six-time NBA All-Star had conditioning issues before the game and was expected not to suit up. Butler has missed the last two games due to an unspecified illness. This will be his eighth absence. The star forward averaged 18.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.9 assists, with a shooting rate of 55.2%. The Heat went 3-4 without Butler.
His unavailability status for Thursday’s game comes at a crucial time, as he is embroiled in a slew of trade rumors. According to NBA insider Shams Charania, Butler has not requested a trade. However, he is preparing for his eventual exit from the Heat. Charania also reported that Butler and the Heat collapsed after the franchise failed to bolster its supporting cast.
Over the past three seasons, Miami has missed out on several top prospects, including Kevin Durant, Donovan Mitchell, Kyrie Irving, Damian Lillard and Bradley Beal. Their marquee addition was Terry Rozier, who joined the team at the 2024 trade deadline.
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Jimmy Butler led the Heat to a playoff berth in each of his previous five seasons, including two Finals and one conference final. His absence from the team amid trade rumors has only increased speculation surrounding his possible departure.
Miami Heat shows no urgency to trade Jimmy Butler
Jimmy Butler made sure he was a professional in his sixth season with the Miami Heat. Barring injury, he suited up and played to his potential to give Miami a legitimate chance at regular season success despite the trade rumors. That being said, the Heat would not be showing urgency in trading him.
He still has a player option worth $52 million after this season, and both sides appear to be taking advantage of it in this tense situation. If Butler leaves, he could move to the Western Conference. According to Shams Charania, Butler’s preferred landing spots are the Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets and Phoenix Suns.
The Warriors and Rockets seem more likely because they have the pieces and assets to make a trade work. However, only time will tell if an agreement can be reached. Any potential suitor will have nearly six weeks to negotiate a deal before the February 6, 2025 trade deadline.
Edited by Arhaan Raje
