Jimmy Butler prefers a trade from the Miami Heat by the Feb. 6 trade deadline, sources tell Shams Charania of ESPN. Butler, however, hasn’t requested a trade from the Heat at this point but is ready for his exit. Charania described the new development as an “escalation” of the situation.
Butler has $49 million on his contract with the Heat for this season and a $52 million player option for 2025-26 after the two sides failed to reach an extension last summer.
Teams have been informed that Butler intends to decline his 2025-26 player option and become a free agent in July. Butler is open to trade destinations such as the Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets.
The Heat have shown no urgency when engaging in trade talks on Butler.