According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, the Miami Heat will be trading Jimmy Butler, no matter what, even if it means getting a lower return.
Butler was suspended for a third time by the team, and this time, he stormed out of practice after learning he would no longer be in the starting lineup. This has prompted the Heat to suspend him for at least five games and begin ramping up their trading efforts.
Before, teams didn’t want to trade for the 35-year-old superstar because they had to unload their entire team to acquire him. This left only one team: the Phoenix Suns. Now, teams like the Golden State Warriors are willing, and wanting, to get back into the bidding and wanting war for Butler due to the price demand going down.
Per earlier reports, the disgruntled star’s preferred destinations were the Suns, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, and Warriors. At one point, he was willing to play anywhere but the Memphis Grizzlies.
“Jimmy Butler is going to get traded,” said Windhorst. “I really am more sure than ever that’s going to happen. The Heat are really trying to make that happen. They have backed down on their asks to teams that they had two or three weeks ago when this whole saga really started. They’re willing to do more.”
“I think that there is really a chance now… I think more teams are going to wade in here because the price on Butler is going to be lower than just the Phoenix Suns, which is the way it’s been.”
Windhorst says “top teams” will not want Butler, as he think the “middle of the pack” teams will be the “middle of the pack” teams who will ultimately go out and try to obtain him.
“I don’t think any of the top teams are going to get him. I think you’re looking at teams that are in the middle of the pack. Older teams teams that need a Hail Mary right now. That may be looking whether they can acquire him and so this could be a key turning point in this NBA season.”
In 25 games this season, Butler averages 17.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.8 assists in 30.6 minutes.
