What does Jimmy Butler want? The Miami Heat superstar has commented for the first time on the numerous trade rumors surrounding him.
“To be honest, I don’t care if I’m traded, where I’m supposed to go or who says what. I can’t control any of that,” said Butler in his first media availability since the speculation about a trade request.
However, the forward avoided the question of whether Butler wanted to stay in Miami by calling it a “good question”. In December, there were reports that Miami would listen to offers for the former All-Star, but President Pat Riley has recently put a stop to this and asserted that the 35-year-old is not to be traded.
Meanwhile, Butler himself has no problem with all the reports. “This kind of thing motivates me. It’s good to be talked about and even better when someone wants you. You should always remember that.”
Butler can become a free agent in the summer, but on the other hand, he also holds a player option worth $52 million for the upcoming season. Most recently, Butler missed five straight games due to illness, but the forward is expected to return to action against the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday night.
In the 2020/2021 season, Butler appeared in 20 games, averaging 18.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.9 assists.
