Report: Jimmy Butler Peeved At Heat, Wants Out: "This Relationship is Over"

"This relationship is over." Those are the words from Charles Barkley as Jimmy Butler has asked for a trade from the Miami Heat. Going one step further, Heat have now suspended Butler for 7 games (giving them time to trade him).

Per Shams and Windy, Butler has now told the Heat he wants to be traded, as was clear this evening and yesterday. Wants to be anywhere but Miami.
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) January 3, 2025

Here was TNT assessment. Barkley on target as usual. It's a Heat business decision. Heat just didn't think Butler would force the issue now https://t.co/6bXYMQ7tK1
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) January 3, 2025

As Barkley notes, it's all about Butler's desire for an extension, or he's heading to free agency. "Pat Riley is not going to pay Jimmy Butler... Jimmy's mad.. but this relationship has been over. This is one of the worst-kept secrets."

When asked if he could get his joy back to play basketball in Miami, Butler said "probably not."

"Probably not."

—Jimmy Butler when asked if he could get his joy back in Miami. pic.twitter.com/5gahEJxWM7
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 3, 2025

Late Friday night, it was announced that the Heat have in fact suspended Butler for 7 games for “conduct detrimental to the team.”

Reporting for @SportsCenter on the Heat’s suspension of Jimmy Butler and where the franchise stands on a trade. pic.twitter.com/KSAXIARdDa
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 4, 2025

But Miami insider Barry Jackson cautions against pulling a quick trigger on a trade:

"It's last thing some want to hear, but you need to be patient before moving Butler. What if (Kevin) Durant or (De'Aaron) Fox asks out before Feb. 6 deadline & you've traded Butler for meh players/bad money? Would be foolhardy."

Butler is averaging an 11-year low 17.6 points per game across 22 contests this season.

Let the bidding begin.