It’s official — Jimmy Butler wants out of Miami, making his intentions clear with a trade request and some blunt comments after Thursday’s loss to the Pacers.
Butler spoke candidly Thursday about how he feels as a member of the Heat, saying, “I want to see me get my joy back from playing basketball. And, wherever that may be, we’ll find out here pretty soon…I’m happy here you know, off the court. But I want to be back to somewhere dominant. I want to hoop, and I want to help this team win right now, and I’m not doing that.”
"Probably not."
—Jimmy Butler when asked if he could get his joy back in Miami. pic.twitter.com/5gahEJxWM7
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 3, 2025
DraftKings Sportsbook has released odds for Butler’s next team, although the Heat are still favorites to have Butler’s services post-trade deadline. They are followed by the Warriors (+300), Suns (+500), Rockets (+600) and Kings and Lakers (+2000).
JIMMY BUTLER NEXT TEAM ODDS ARE LIVE 🚨 pic.twitter.com/AGRkeIRBmD
— DraftKings Sportsbook (@DKSportsbook) January 3, 2025
Mike Golic Jr. and Mike Golic Sr. discussed potential destinations for the superstar and the impact his potential departure could have on the Heat’s future during Friday’s edition of GoJo and Golic.
Senior noted that Pat Riley has made it clear that the Miami Heat are not interested in trading Jimmy Butler, despite his desire to leave South Beach. While players often hold significant control in the NBA, Riley is a firmly established figure who isn’t easily swayed. However, Butler is in the final year of his $49 million contract, with a $52 million player option that he’s unlikely to exercise next season. This leaves Miami in a position where they could lose him for nothing if they don’t act.
From a business perspective, Senior shared that trading Butler before the February 6 deadline would allow the Heat to acquire assets for him. Butler has hinted at potential trade destinations, including the Suns, Warriors, Rockets and Mavericks while reportedly believing that he can make any team a contender. Despite recent tension, with his usage in the fourth quarter decreasing and management questioning his commitment following an injury, Butler insists he’s playing hard. Ultimately, Senior thinks it comes down to making a business decision — accepting that this is Butler’s final year and trading him now to secure assets rather than losing him for nothing next season, which is a viable solution.
Temperatures are rising in Miami as Jimmy Butler’s frustration in Miami is are to miss. Is he about to take his talents out of South Beach?
“I think at the end of the day, you have to make a business decision here, right? And say, OK, this is it…You know he's not going to be… pic.twitter.com/LGkfmEJYXb
— DraftKings Network (@DKNetwork) January 3, 2025
GoJo added some context to the business aspect of the conversation by referencing ESPN’s NBA front office insider, Bobby Marks. Marks suggested that if the Heat allow Butler’s contract to expire instead of trading him, they could gain significant roster flexibility, including falling $47 million below the tax in addition to gaining access to the $14 million non-tax mid-level exception and the $5.1 million biannual exception. This would give the team more options heading into the offseason. GoJo added that it may not be worth pursuing a deal unless Miami can trade Butler for a high-impact player. With Butler having his worst season as a member of the Heat, being older and primarily a postseason performer in recent years, it’s unlikely any team will give up substantial assets to acquire the disgruntled star. As a result, GoJo speculated that the Heat and Butler might be stuck with each other for the rest of the season despite the evident tension, as evidenced by the Heat’s -145 odds to keep Butler on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Zooming out and looking at the bigger picture, GoJo questioned whether the feud resulted from Butler’s personality or Riley’s leadership style. He noted Butler’s history of forcing his way out of situations, referencing his outspoken nature, infamous practice stories and unique personality. While Butler thrived in Miami, leading the team to two NBA Finals and exceeding expectations, his tenure appears to be reaching a familiar breaking point.
Senior affirmed that Riley still wields significant influence in the NBA, given his extensive experience as a player, coach and executive. But GoJo questioned whether Riley’s long-standing methods still resonate with modern NBA players and raised concerns about whether this dynamic could impact Miami’s ability to attract top-tier talent in the future. While Jimmy Butler isn’t part of that younger generation, Senior noted that Riley’s approach could still impact team dynamics and potentially create tension within the organization.
Speaking from a place of experience as a former professional athlete, Senior emphasized the challenge for athletes not to take things personally, especially when they feel undervalued as superstar players. He acknowledged that while it’s difficult, the situation ultimately comes down to business. Butler is exercising his part by requesting a trade, stating that he no longer feels he can play with joy in Miami. However, Senior pointed out that, despite the perceived power of NBA superstars, the final decision rests with management. Given Butler’s contract situation, it might be in Miami’s best financial interest to keep him rather than trade him, even if it means going against his wishes. Ultimately, Senior believes management holds the upper hand in this scenario.
Watch or listen to the full show below and tune into GoJo and Golic weekday mornings from 8-10 a.m. ET on DraftKings Network! See more about how to watch DraftKings Network here.
SHOW BREAKDOWN
Hour 1: Notre Dame Advances To CFP Semifinals; Thanks Marcus Freeman + Ohio State’s Odds + NFL Week 18 Preview
VIDEO
Watch GoJo and Golic every weekday on Samsung TV Plus, Roku, Xumo Play, Google TV and DraftKingsNetwork.com from 8 to 10 a.m. ET. The show is also available via audio on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also follow Mike Golic Sr. on X at @golic and Mike Golic Jr. on X at @mikegolicjr.
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All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook, lines and odds subject to change.
