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Jimmy Butler's future with the Heat has been a source of conversation to begin the NBA season, and it took another turn on Christmas Day.
ESPN's Shams Charania reported Wednesday that Butler "prefers" that the Heat trade him ahead of the NBA trade deadline on Feb. 6. This is not an official trade request, but Butler appears prepared to leave Miami for another team. The Heat sit in the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference, but they are just 14-13 on the season.
After this season, Butler has a player option for the 2025-26 campaign, but Charania reports that teams were told of Butler's intention to decline that option. Therefore, any team that wants to trade for Butler may be approaching negotiations as if they would be acquiring a rental player.
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Jimmy Butler trade destinations
Charania reported Butler's preferred destinations, with the Warriors potentially the most interesting option. Golden State has been the most-rumored landing spot for Butler, as the Warriors are 15-13 on the season but are still looking to win with Stephen Curry in his prime.
Besides Golden State, Charania listed the Rockets, Mavericks, and Suns as places where Butler would like to play. Houston is currently 20-9 and in second place in the Western Conference, while Dallas is 19-10 and in fourth place. Phoenix is right now out of the playoff picture, but the Suns have dealt with injury issues throughout the season.
The Sporting News' Steph Noh ranked Butler's potential trade destinations earlier this month, with the Warriors and Rockets leading the way.
Jimmy Butler stats 2024
| Games | 20 |
| Points per game | 18.5 |
| Rebounds per game | 5.8 |
| Assists per game | 4.9 |
| Field goal percentage | 55.2% |
| Three-point percentage | 35.7% |
Butler's points per game this year is his lowest since joining the Heat, but the field goal percentage would be the best of his career.
Jimmy Butler contract
Butler is making just under $49 million this year as part of a contract extension he signed in 2021, and he also has a $52 million player option for the 2025-26 season. However, Butler opted not to sign an extension over the summer, instead choosing to play out his contract with Miami.
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