Erik Spoelstra: 'We Want' Jimmy Butler to Stay with Heat amid NBA Trade Rumors

While there have been rumors that the Miami Heat want to trade star forward Jimmy Butler, head coach Erik Spoelstra made his stance clear that he wants to keep him on the team, and he's hoping his voice rises above the outside chatter.

"That's just the deal," Spoelstra told Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. "You have to compartmentalize in this business. We want Jimmy here. There's no ifs, ands or buts about it. And it's just unfortunate that you have to control or deal with a lot of the noise on the outside."

ESPN's Shams Charania reported earlier this month that the Heat are willing to listen to trade offers for Butler. On Christmas Day, Charania reported that Butler prefers to be traded from Miami ahead of the Feb. 6 deadline. While he hasn't formally requested a trade, he's reportedly believed to be ready to part ways with the team.

Butler joined the Heat in 2019 and quickly became the face of the team after he spearheaded two runs to the NBA Finals in 2020 and 2023. The 35-year-old is averaging 18.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.9 assists this season, his lowest scoring average during his time in Miami.

The Heat didn't reach an agreement with Butler on a contract extension or restructure this past offseason. He's making $49 million this season and he has a $52 million player option for the 2025-26 season. According to Charania, "Teams have been informed that Butler intends to decline his 2025-26 player option and become a free agent in July."

At 14-13, the Heat are ranked sixth in the Eastern Conference, but they're not considered to be among the top contenders for an NBA title. Butler is reportedly hoping to be traded to a team that could compete for a championship this year.

Perhaps Spoelstra's declaration could help Butler be more open to remaining with Miami. The Heat have until Feb. 6 to decide if it's best to cut ties with him and acquire assets rather than potentially losing him for nothing.