It seems Jimmy Butler will finally be bidding adieu to the Miami Heat. Butler, who has emerged as an excellent prospect for his teams, came to Miami with a mission. He wanted to get his hands on the much-awaited NBA championship. Unfortunately, despite trying quite several times, the goal remained elusive. Now, with the rumors about his possible transfer doing the rounds for a while, it is all but certain that Butler’s time with the Heat will come to an end.
In a recent update from ESPN’s Shams Charania, Butler reportedly ‘prefers’ to get out of his contract. However, he has not officially asked for it. With the trade deadline approaching on February 6, Butler will be looking to become a free agent within that time frame. However, while he does have a $52 million player option in his contract, the 35-year-old is least expected to exercise the same. Charania’s report also mentions that several top-tier teams are interested in acquiring Butler’s services.
Reporting for NBA Countdown on the line drawn in the sand: Jimmy Butler prefers a trade out of Miami, with two teams at the top of his desired destinations – and how we got here: pic.twitter.com/FLstMhPo3P
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 25, 2024
Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks, and the Phoenix Suns are some of the reported frontrunners. As a matter of fact, Butler has been having quite an impressive season so far. Playing in his 14th NBA year, the 35-year-old has averaged 18.5 points, 4.9 assists, and 5.8 rebounds per game so far. Thus, it is expected that Butler will land up with quite an impressive deal. Meanwhile, popular American sportswriter Bill Simmons recently made a surprising prediction.
Bill Simmons Makes A Bold Jimmy Butler Prediction
With the passing of each day, the rumors regarding where Jimmy Butler would go next have been doing the rounds. And while a lot of possible names are being discussed, Bill Simmons had his take on the matter. According to the American sportswriter, he opined that Butler might be headed for the Oklahoma City Thunder. He also provided a reason for the same.
“Butler is clearly…this is happening SOON” from @BillSimmons
— Sean 5RSN🎙️🏀 (@SRochesterNBA) December 20, 2024
Which goes OPPOSITE of all reporting locally by @5ReasonsSports @flasportsbuzz and others.
Thoughts? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/H9C9yLVyeX
“Um, I have OKC Dallas, I still feel like, uh, I want to see what happens with the Butler trade because see, Butler’s clearly, this is happening soon,” said Simmons. Thus, with a lot of back and forth happening, it now remains to be seen which team the NBA icon ends up in.
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