Miami Heat trade rumors: ESPN insider states that Heat are ramping up trade efforts for Jimmy Butler

Jimmy Butler may have recently made his return to the Miami Heat, but the trade rumors have never stopped. Even with him re-joining his teammates, ESPN/Shams Charania has confirmed that his trade request stance has not changed. In fact, he reportedly ‘double-downed’ on his demand to be shipped out of South Florida following his meeting with Heat owner Micky Arison.

“It is not fixable as it stands right now between Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat. … I’m told he doubled down in his meeting with [Micky and Nick Arison].”

“They’ve operated as a team looking to a find a trade for Butler between now and the Feb. 6 NBA Trade Deadline. But they want to have their needs satisfied as well in terms of their desire for role players that can come in, contribute, potentially having draft capital … they want to go get players that they feel can help this team compete. … This going to be a fluid situation, but both sides are prepared for a level of uncomfortableness moving forward.”
— Shams Charania

Since his seven-game team suspension has been lifted, Butler’s engagement with the team on the court has been limited. He is averaging just 13 points, 4.5 assists and 3.0 rebounds over the last few games for Miami.

With the February 6 NBA trade deadline looming, the Heat have ramped up their pursuit to move on from the disgruntled star— according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst.

In fact, Windhorst stirred up the rumor mill a bit by disclosing a private phone call he received from an anonymous organization in the league. He went on to mention that that the team who spoke to had to hung up the phone quickly to go handle something “bigger.” That’s when he brought up the speculation that a multi-team Butler trade could be in the works.

The relationship between Butler and the Heat has seemingly gotten to the point of no repair. Just a few weeks back, Jake Fischer reported that there were “multiple instances” where Butler skipped the team’s shootarounds and took separate flights over the years.

Of course, Butler’s camp refuted those claims, but it is no secret that this relationship has reached its boiling point.

The inevitable divorce between the two sides has ultimately led to plenty of outside opinions from the national media.

There was also the Ramona Shelburne ESPN story that revealed that the Heat players, coaches and staff have “grown weary” of Butler and his antics.

Most recently, Charania just iterated that Butler has now ‘tripled down’ on his trade request. Additionally— he reported that the Heat have indeed had “productive conversations” about moving him this week.

It seems like it is just a matter of time before the two parties ultimately separate.

But will it unfold before the deadline? Or is this something that will need to be addressed over the summer if the Heat can’t find a deal that they like? Let us know in the comments!

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This is a developing news story. Stay tuned for updates.

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