The heat are open to trade inquiries about Star Forward Jimmy Butler and make a deal if they get an offer they like, sources tell ESPN’s Shams Charania (Insider Link).

Reports following Miami’s exit from the 2024 playoffs suggested Butler would seek a maximum salary extension in the offseason. The president of basketball operations was asked about this possibility during his season-ending press conference Pat Riley expressed reluctance to make such a financial investment in a player “unless you have someone available every night,” a reference to Butler’s injury problems in recent seasons.

Butler then decided to postpone extension talks and stay with the Heat rather than push for a trade.

As Charania writes, the 35-year-old still has a strong affinity for Miami and has been a pro all season long, with the Heat only hovering in play-in territory the last few years and Butler potentially free at season’s end Agency could reach , the front office was “receptive” to trade requests.

According to Charania, Butler’s agent Bernie Lee has made it clear in league circles that Butler would be open to goals like that Rockets, outsiderAnd warrior. Although Butler is from Texas, it is believed his top priority if traded is to join a team capable of competing for a championship.

Teams, including the Heat, have been told that Butler intends to decline his $52.4 million player option for the 2025-26 season to become a free agent next summer, sources tell ESPN. Given that few teams believe they have significant cap space in 2025, the club that has Butler on its roster at the end of the season would likely be the favorite to re-sign him, given that club his Bird rights would remain.

Butler has missed five games so far this season due to health reasons, but has been effective in his 17 appearances, averaging 19.0 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists with a .557 shooting percentage in 32.1 minutes per game /.360/.787 . The Heat have posted a 10-7 record in the games he has played and a 2-3 record when he has been out.