On January 8th, Beijing time, according to Chris Haynes, a well-known reporter, sources revealed that Butler has told some teams in the league that he is unwilling to play for them. Haynes revealed on the show that these teams include the Grizzlies, and O'Connor, another well-known reporter, followed up with a report stating that the Bucks are also among them. Previously, the Grizzlies once topped the odds of becoming Butler's next team, and both teams have already discussed a trade with the Heat.
Haynes stated that Butler informed these teams not to attempt to trade him, which made the trading situation somewhat complicated because Butler is eligible to opt out of his contract and become a free agent this summer. Teams trading for him would basically need to ensure that he is willing to renew his contract afterward. Under this premise, Butler's opinion carries a certain amount of influence.
Sidery reported that Butler and the Suns are mutually interested, with the most ideal outcome being a move to the Suns, and the Suns have also expressed their willingness to pay the amount Butler wants for his new contract.
Additionally, Bill Simmons, a well-known commentator, stated that Butler's trade will be completed this week. However, many American media outlets analyzed that it would be very difficult to complete the Butler trade before the deadline. During his suspension, Butler insisted on training to maintain his physical condition.
With less than a month left until the trade deadline (February 7th), Windhorst, a well-known reporter, stated that the Heat have not received high-quality offers because teams know that Butler is not very willing to renew his contract and instead wants to test the free agent market.
"We're really at an impasse. I don't know how things will develop," said Windhorst. "The Heat are preparing internally for this situation to continue after the suspension, not because they have some malicious intent, but because they know the offers they've received are terrible. So that's where we stand."
Previously, Butler was suspended for seven games by the Heat due to "multiple actions detrimental to the team." The Heat stated in a statement: "Through his behavior and remarks, he has shown that he no longer wants to be part of this team. Jimmy Butler and his representatives have expressed a desire to be traded, so we will listen to offers."
So, what does the Heat hope to get from the Butler trade?
NBC Sports reported that this is not a fire sale. The Heat have goals for any trade. Their primary goal is to recover as few long-term contracts as possible. The Heat also prefer players who can win now rather than young players or draft picks. If this trade is completed, what the Heat want most is the flexibility to rebuild around Adebayo and Herro in the future, rather than being bound by another long-term big contract.
Finding a trade plan that is feasible for both the Heat and other related teams is expected to involve three or four teams. These trades are very challenging (both economically and in terms of satisfying everyone), and many people in the league do not believe that the trade will be completed before the deadline.