Heat's Jimmy Butler Says He Still Thinks He's in His 'Prime' Amid NBA Trade Rumors
January 7, 2025
As Jimmy Butler awaits a trade from the Miami Heat, he believes he still has plenty to give to a team willing to strike a deal for him.
In fact, the 35-year-old believes he's still in his prime.
"I still think I'm in my prime if I'm being brutally honest," Butler said, per The Washington Post's Ben Golliver. "Now, as this coffee life takes off, I'm going to be in here daily making coffee, enjoying the vibes and letting everybody see and know that it's not a gimmick. This is my passion, and it's going to be my passion even when I'm done playing."
Butler's stats this season aren't exactly a reflection of a player still in his prime. He's putting up his worst numbers in more than a decade, averaging 17.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.7 assists in 22 games as Miami has gone 17-17.
Butler won't get the chance to boost his trade value in the coming weeks as he's currently serving a seven-game suspension for "multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team."
In his last two appearances, Butler struggled tremendously. He had nine points against the New Orleans Pelicans before scoring nine points against the Indiana Pacers last week. Those outings were his first two games back since Dec. 20.
Whether Butler, who has led Miami to two NBA Finals appearances since 2020, is still in his prime is up for debate, but there's no question he could be of service to a playoff team looking to reach Finals contender status.
A handful of teams have emerged as possible trade destinations for Butler, including the Golden State Warriors, per The Athletic's Anthony Slater, Marcus Thompson II and Sam Amick.
There are a handful of teams, however, that won't be in the mix for Butler. NBA insider Chris Haynes reported on Tuesday that the Memphis Grizzlies among other teams have been informed that Butler "has no interest in being traded there."
According to Yahoo Sports' Kevin O'Connor, there have been "a lot of rumblings" that the Milwaukee Bucks are also on Butler's no-trade list.
Until the Heat find a deal for Butler—if they even decide to trade him—he'll look to come back strong from his suspension to prove that he's still in his prime.