Jimmy Butler Rumors: Preferred Trade Spots Good News For Celtics

The Boston Celtics might not have to deal with an infamous rival in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

On Christmas Day, ESPN’s Shams Charania, citing sources, reported that Jimmy Butler preferred a trade out of Miami before the Feb. 6 trade deadline. A key part of the report indicated that the All-Star did not request a trade from the Heat but was “believed to be ready for his exit.”

There wasn’t a lot of entirely new from Charania’s Wednesday report and some NBA fans speculated that the NBA insider tried to bait a response from Butler’s agent. However, for those who aren’t aware of the 35-year-old’s situation, let’s go through a quick primer.

Butler entered the 2024-25 season in the final year of his contract. The veteran did have a player option — which he plans to waive no matter which team he ends the season with — but he wanted a new deal to ideally end his career in South Beach. Butler has $49 million left on his contract, so a trade will be complicated. Butler seemed to hint at his desire to leave based on his hair color. Yes, we’re serious; well, kind of. That’s the speculation from fans at least.

Multiple teams inquired about a trade for Butler, but the superstar is open to the Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets as trade destinations, according to ESPN.

Butler is slowing down in his 14th NBA season, but he’s still a proven playoff threat. That’s why it’s a good thing for the Celtics that the reported trade destinations are Western Conference teams. Miami possibly might get fair compensation for Butler, but any trade would be an admission from Pat Riley that he doesn’t view the Heat as a serious title contender. They aren’t, but the Heat president never is one to give up on a season.

The Celtics certainly aren’t a shoo-in to make the NBA Finals. Health always is a concern, and Joe Mazzulla hopes the early-season struggles won’t permeate into the postseason. However, if the C’s only have to worry about Butler in the NBA Finals, then that is preferable to another Eastern Conference matchup against their rival.