Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) talks with official Dedric Taylor during a timeout in the second half against the Phoenix Suns at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
Jimmy Butler’s name is trending in trade rumors and the six-time NBA All-Star is just with it.
As the Miami Heat consider trading Butler, he reportedly has four destinations in mind, according to ESPN. They are the Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns.
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“I actually like it,” Butler told reporters on Wednesday of the speculation. “It’s good to be talked about. I don’t think there’s such a thing as bad publicity — to a point.
“But if somebody is talking about me getting traded, that’s a lot.”
The Heat didn’t offer Butler a max extension during the offseason so the 35-year-old plans to play out the season and become a free agent.
Butler is eligible for a two-year, $113 million extension.
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Meanwhile, the trade speculation is heating up.
“It’s fine with me,” Butler said of the trade speculation. “It doesn’t bother me one bit and I do appreciate it. I appreciate going out there and hooping and I appreciate being efficient, being effective and helping my team win. I don’t ever take playing basketball for anybody for granted.”
Butler is averaging 19.0 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists in 17 games this season.
Butler’s career averages are 18.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists in 831 career games with the Chicago Bulls, Minnesota Timberwolves, Philadelphia 76ers and Heat. He is in his 14th NBA season. –Field Level Media