Butler: Heat trade speculation 'doesn't bother me'
Miami Heat veteran forward Jimmy Butler isn't sweating any of the recent trade speculation involving him.
"It doesn't bother me one bit, and I do appreciate it," Butler said, according to Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald. "I appreciate going out there and hooping, and I appreciate being efficient, being effective, and helping my team win. I don't ever take playing basketball for anybody for granted."
He added: "It's good to be talked about. I don't think there's such a thing as bad publicity to a point. But if somebody is talking about me getting traded, that's a lot."
The Heat are reportedly open to dealing the 35-year-old before he can become a free agent this upcoming summer. Butler's agent has signaled that the six-time All-Star would be receptive to joining the Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, or Dallas Mavericks.
Butler plans to decline his $52.4-million player option for next season. He would be eligible to sign a four-year contract worth up to $243 million with the Heat, or a three-year deal valued at $171 million with another franchise.
When asked about his long-term position with Miami, Butler said: "Who knows?"
Jimmy Butler on Miami Heat future:
— HoopsHype (@hoopshype) December 11, 2024
"Who knows... My kids matter, my happiness matters, my well being matters and my family matters." pic.twitter.com/GcMN5ZN6rW
Butler has averaged 19 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.2 steals while shooting 55.7 percent from the field in 19 games for Miami. He's made the playoffs five times with the Heat, including Finals berths in 2020 and 2022.
The Heat are riding a three-game winning streak, helping them improve to a 12-10 record in the Eastern Conference. They take on the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday.