"The Butler Trade? No" Miami President's Refutation
"The Butler Trade? No" Miami President's Refutation
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The Miami Heat in the National Basketball Association (NBA) have been rumored to be trading for Jimmy Butler, the team's flagship star.
Local media, including "ESPN," released a statement issued by Heat President Pat Riley in response to Butler's trade rumors on the 27th (Korea Standard Time).
"We don't usually comment on rumors, but we decided that all this speculation was in the team's way and it wasn't fair to players and coaches," Riley said in a statement.
"That's why we're trying to be clear. We're not trading Jimmy Butler," he said, denying the trade rumors about Butler.
The statement is a rebuttal to ESPN's report on the previous day. Citing sources, ESPN reported that Butler wants to leave the team before the trade deadline (Feb. 6), citing the Phoenix Suns, the Golden State Warriors, the Dallas Mavericks, and the Houston Rockets as expected destinations.
Butler will miss the away game against the Orlando Magic on the same day due to "reconditioning to create a condition to play."
Since sprained his ankle during a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder last week, he has yet to play in the upcoming away game in Orlando.
Miami coach Erik Spoelstra told local media after the shootaround ahead of Thursday's away game against the Orlando Magic, saying, "We need to be sensible in this industry. We want Butler to be here. There is no assumption about that. And it is unlucky to have to deal with or control the noise from outside."
Butler will receive a $49 million salary this season and has a $52 million player option for next season. In fact, chances are high that he will enter the FA market after this season. 메이저놀이터
Butler, who has had a brilliant career, including six All-Star, five All-NBA, five All-Defensive teams, the 2014-15 Skills Development Award (MIP), No. 1 steal in the 2020-21 season, and the 2022-23 Eastern Conference Final MVP, has an average of 31.4 minutes in 20 games this season, recording 18.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.9 assists.
Miami is ranked sixth in the Eastern Conference with 14 wins and 13 losses. If it maintains this position, it can directly advance to the playoffs.
Since he is currently in the playoff qualification round, he does not intend to give up the team's star easily.
However, there is still a lot of time before the trade deadline, so this situation can change at any time. This is why it is hard to believe the Miami club's statement.