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The Miami Heat are still trying to make a bargain in a trade centered around disgruntled star Jimmy Butler, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
“The Heat have engaged with several teams about Butler trade scenarios and have received offers but have been hesitant to negotiate further, sources said,” Charania reported Tuesday. “Riley has not shown any urgency in these talks, as the trade deadline looms on Feb. 6, sources added.”
The Heat could keep Butler on the roster at the deadline, but rival teams likely won’t buy into that idea after Miami issued a seven-game suspension to the six-time All-Star.
Everyone knows Butler wants out now too. Per Charania, he “reiterated to (Riley) in a face-to-face meeting last week that he wants to be traded.”
More than anything, Riley’s approach to negotiations comes off as an attempt to create leverage where little or none exists.
Shown on First Take on January 7, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said succinctly that the offers the Heat had received up to that point “stink”.
First Take @FirstTake
“Jimmy Butler is not going to extend with any team. And so, because the teams know that, they’re offering the Heat right now the poop-poop plate. There’s only one team that’s ready to pay Jimmy Butler exactly what he wants, and that is the Phoenix Suns.”
—@WindhorstESPN pic.twitter.com/q8LZLPOFOV
In addition to the ongoing drama in South Florida, Butler further depressed his market by reportedly making it clear to his representatives that he does not want to be traded to certain teams. NBA insider Chris Haynes cited the Memphis Grizzlies as an example.
Instead, the Phoenix Suns appear to be strongest suitor for the veteran forward, but completing a deal is complicated thanks to Bradley Beal’s no-trade clause and 110.8 million dollars he can serve for the next two years. The Suns need to find a third team that wants the three-time All-Star and a destination he would be willing to go to.
Any team with Butler on their radar has every reason to call his or the Heat’s bluff. Either he gives in on the wish list of preferred teams, or Miami finally blinks and is willing to accept 50 cents — or less — on the dollar for a player who used to be the cornerstone of the franchise.
