The trade rumors surrounding Jimmy Butler are gaining momentum and both his coach Erik Spoelstra and teammate Tyler Herro are not pleased about it.
According to Shams, “The Heat are considering offers for Butler and are open to making a deal if the right proposal comes along, as indicated by league sources to ESPN. Butler’s agent, Bernie Lee, has also mentioned that Butler is open to potential destinations such as the Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks, and Golden State Warriors, with Butler being a native of Houston, Texas.”
Despite the speculation, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra was quick to dismiss any talks of a trade involving the star forward.
“It’s been our strongest and most consistent period of the season,” Spoelstra stated, as reported by Ira Winderman of Sun-Sentinel. “So any other talk or narrative, I don’t pay attention to. Nobody should, because most of it is just a bunch of nonsense.”
An in-form Tyler Herro also refrained from commenting on the swirling rumors surrounding Jimmy Butler.
“I haven’t checked my phone yet this morning,” Herro mentioned to Winderman. “I have no idea what was said. The atmosphere in here felt positive today, so I’m not sure what you’re referring to.”
While the speculations of Butler moving to the Rockets, Warriors, or Mavs are not new, the fact that the Heat are considering offers for their key player adds a fresh and intriguing aspect leading up to the trade deadline in February.
With the Golden State Warriors missing out on their targets Paul George and Lauri Markkanen in the past, the franchise seems willing to spend big for a star player.
Similarly, the Rockets have a significant amount of draft picks and funds at their disposal.
However, given Butler’s injury history, will teams be hesitant to meet his high salary demands?
READ MORE: FIBA & NBA in ‘Serious Conversations’ About Creating New League
