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Jimmy Butler of the Miami Heat is not available to play against the Orlando Magic on Thursday The six-time NBA All-Star struggled with his conditioning before the game and was predicted to not suit up. butler has missed the last two games with an unspecified illness. It will be his eighth absence. The star forward has averaged 18.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.9 assists on 55.2% shooting. The Heat have gone 3-4 without Butler.
His unavailable status for Thursday's game comes at a crucial time as he is embroiled in a slew of trade rumors. According to NBA reporter Shams Charania, Butler has not demanded a trade. However, he is prepared for his eventual departure from the heat. Charania also reported that Butler and the Heat fell apart after the franchise failed to bolster its supporting cast.
Over the past three seasons, Miami has lost several top prospects, including Kevin Durant, Donovan Mitchell, Kyrie Irving, Damian Lillard and Bradley Beal. Their main addition has been Terry Rozier, who joined the team at the 2024 trade deadline.
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Jimmy Butler led the Heat to a playoff berth in each of his previous five seasons, including two finals and one conference final. His time away from the team amid trade rumors has only increased speculation about his potential departure.
Miami Heat show no urgency to trade Jimmy Butler
Jimmy Butler has ensured that he has been a professional in his sixth season with the Miami Heat. Barring injuries, he has adjusted and played to his potential to give Miami a legitimate chance at regular season success despite trade rumors. With that fact, the Heat are reportedly in no rush to trade him.
He still has a player option worth $52 million after this season, and both sides appear to be taking advantage of that amid this tense situation. If Butler leaves, he could move to the Western Conference. According to Shams Charania, Butler's preferred landing spots are the Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets and Phoenix Suns.
The Warriors and Rockets seem more likely as they have the pieces and assets to make a trade work. However, only time will tell if a deal can come to fruition. Any potential suitors will have nearly six weeks to negotiate a package before the Feb. 6, 2025, trade deadline.
Edited by Arhaan Raje
