Miami Heat’s Jimmy Butler Reportedly “Focused On” Joining Phoenix Suns

Jan 19, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA;  San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell (24) defends Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) during the second half at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
Jan 19, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell (24) defends Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) during the second half at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images / Jim Rassol-Imagn Images

As the trade deadline approaches, Jimmy Butler seems locked in on one destination after requesting a trade from the Miami Heat and having the NBA world anticipate which team will ask for him.

The team Butler wants is the Phoenix Suns. Ever since Mat Ishbia took over ownership of the Phoenix Suns, they have not been shy about attempting to build a super team of NBA stars. Their goal is to pair Butler with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. The only problem is Bradley Beal will have to be included in this trade, and he will not waive his no-trade clause.

ESPN’s Brian Windhorst shared his thoughts about Butler being so supportive of a potential trade to the Suns it may not matter what any other team offers him to join.

“The thing to understand about Butler is that there’s nothing he wants to hear right now that doesn’t include getting him to the Suns,” Windhorst said. “That is the only thing he’s focused on. Honestly, I don’t think you could offer him any amount of money or any role on any team and hear he’s like, yup, I’ll get on the plane and let’s go.”

Butler previously wanted a maximum extension from the Heat, paying him around $113 million until he’s almost 40. Whether he’s changed his mind about this, he still has the last year of his current contract he can opt into for over $50 million.

“Now, if the Suns, who have been trying to put this together for weeks, can’t pull this off, I’ve got to tell you this has been quite the drama over the weeks,” Windhorst continued. It’s been an incredible drama behind the scenes as they have tried to put together three, four, and five-team deals. If that all fails by Thursday, I think a team could just go make a deal for Butler and not worry about the contract.”

MIAMI HEAT’S JIMMY BUTLER REPORTEDLY ENDS TRADE TALKS WITH GOLDEN STATE

After reportedly requesting a trade to “anywhere other than Miami,” Jimmy Butler turned down another team interested in trading for him.

Butler wanted a maximum extension from the Miami Heat, which would be worth around $113 million and last until he was almost 40. When the Heat declined, he requested a trade on Jan. 2. 

Despite saying he believes he can make any team a contender as long as he’s traded, Butler has been very particular about where he wants to be traded. The Memphis Grizzlies were reportedly interested in Butler, but he has expressed he would prefer to exclude them. 

With the Sacramento Kings and Chicago Bulls finalizing a significant trade between their stars, few teams have remained beyond the Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported potential deals between the Warriors and Butler have stopped for now.

“The Heat’s Jimmy Butler has communicated to the Warriors that he’s unwilling to sign an extension there, and therefore, trade talks to send him to Golden State have ended for now,” Windhorst said.

BAM ADEBAYO MAKING HISTORY DROWNED OUT BY NBA’s BIG TRADE NEWS

Usually, becoming the second player in NBA history to accomplish something would be breaking news, but the Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis trade took over the headlines.

In the Miami Heat’s matchup with the San Antonio Spurs, Bam Adebayo hit a buzzer-beating, winning shot to give them the victory. 

Adebayo became second among centers in NBA history for most buzzer-beaters. He also tied Dwyane Wade for most buzzer-beaters in Heat franchise history.

Overall, it has been a roller-coaster season for him. But Adebayo is starting to regain his offensive rhythm as he is coming off the best three-game stretch of the season. He’s averaging 25.6 points, 10.3 rebounds, and seven assists on 60.8 percent shooting and 30 percent from three-point range. He will look to build on these performances against the Chicago Bulls on Feb. 4.

Bryan Townes is a contributor to Miami Heat On SI. He can be reached at btownesjr@gmail.com or on X @bryantownesjr11. Follow our coverage on Facebook.


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Bryan Townes
BRYAN TOWNES

Bryan attended Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia with a focus on sports management. While he didn't grow up an NBA fan, he became one after playing the popular NBA2K video game. From Jimmy Butler to Ray Allen to Chris Bosh, Bryan has followed the Heat for the past several years.