Jimmy Butler may have played his final game in a Miami Heat jersey during the team’s 116-107 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday. The game itself was a tough defeat, but what caught the attention of many was Butler’s choice of footwear, which possibly hinted at his future.
Butler’s shoes featured bold colors that closely resembled the Phoenix Suns’ team colors: orange, purple, and yellow. This detail raised eyebrows, especially since the Phoenix Suns have been the top contender in acquiring Butler.
Jimmy sending a message with his Suns-themed shoes from tonight’s game? 👀 https://t.co/tMNsm2mbJs pic.twitter.com/kENnM5jjk7
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 22, 2025
Recently, the Suns made a significant move by securing three first-round picks from the Utah Jazz, positioning themselves perfectly for a potential trade. Butler has become a likely target in this pursuit.
Back in January, Butler requested a trade from the Heat, and the team has since been open to listening to offers for him. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Butler has continued to press for a move, reportedly making his request directly to Miami’s key figures. Charania revealed that Butler reiterated his trade request during meetings with team president Pat Riley, team owner Micky Arison, and CEO Nick Arison.
Shaquille O’Neal Weighs In On Jimmy Butler’s Future
While many reports are pointing to a potential trade sending Jimmy Butler to the Phoenix Suns, NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal has another idea. He believes Butler would be a perfect fit for the Golden State Warriors. On The Big Podcast, Shaq explained why he likes the idea of Butler playing for the Warriors.
“I like him at Golden State because when he was at Miami, he used to drive me crazy. He’d get all the way to the lane and kick it out for a three. I’m like, ‘Bro, lay the goddamn ball up!’ That would work in Golden State because of the system they play,” Shaq said.
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As the trade deadline approaches, it remains to be seen whether Butler’s exit from Miami will come to fruition. However, the signs point to a potential change in the near future.
