The NBA has scheduled the 2024-25 trade deadline for February 6. and time is running out for Jimmy Butler to find a new team. The Miami Heat star is still searching for a fresh start after Miami suspended indefinitely for intentionally withholding service, which marked his third suspension this season. With tensions high, it’s clear that Butler no longer sees a future in Miami.
Since trade rumors began swirling, the Phoenix Suns have emerged as the strongest contender for Butler. According to NBA insider Shams Charania, Phoenix is the only team Butler is willing to sign a long-term extension with.
“Around the league, it’s become increasingly clear that where he would want to be long term, and stay long term, and commit long term that’s the Phoenix Suns from everything I’m told,” Charania said on ESPN.
The Suns are the only team Jimmy Butler is willing to sign a long-term extension with, per @ShamsCharania.
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) February 3, 2025
Butler will say no to every destination except Phoenix as they tirelessly work to acquire the Heat’s star wing in a four or five-team deal this week. pic.twitter.com/1OnL84rTQz
Butler is reportedly not considering any other destinations as Phoenix aggressively works to acquire him in a potential four- or five-team trade this week. If the deal goes through, Butler would join forces with Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, forming a formidable trio that could boost the Suns’ championship hopes.
Jimmy Butler Rejects Warriors As Trade Talks Collapse
While the Phoenix Suns remain the frontrunners to land Jimmy Butler, the Golden State Warriors were also in the mix as a potential destination. However, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported the news on Sunday evening, stating that Butler’s unwillingness to commit long-term forced Golden State to halt their pursuit of the Heat star.
“The Heat’s Jimmy Butler has communicated to the Warriors that he’s unwilling to sign an extension there & therefore trade talks to send him to Golden State have ended for now,” sources told Windhorst.
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This comes after a report from Kevin O’Connor last month, which revealed that Steve Kerr and Stephen Curry had concerns about how Butler would fit into their locker room culture. It appears that Golden State is moving on from the idea of adding Butler to their roster as Phoenix remains the only team Butler is willing to sign a long-term deal with.
Also Read: RUMOR: Jimmy Butler’s Antics Causing Rift In Miami Heat Locker Room As Teammates Grow Frustrated
