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Jimmy Butler's Agent Disputes Rumor Heat Star Delayed Team Flight amid Trade Buzz

Jack MurrayFebruary 1, 2025

MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 21:  Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat dribbles the ball during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on January 21, 2025 at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images

Jimmy Butler's camp is pushing back on rumors that the guard delayed a Miami Heat team flight.

Rachel Nichols of Fox Sports reported that Heat locker room is "fed up" with Butler due to incidents that include delaying the team's departure from the airport. In response to the rumor, Butler's agent Bernard Lee posted a photo of the alleged flight and how it actually left 15 minutes early.

Bernard Lee @BernieoLee

Man….. now trust me I get the irony here but just to clear this up once and for all this is the flight that keeps being mentioned… <a href="https://t.co/gowb7V51vY">https://t.co/gowb7V51vY</a> <a href="https://t.co/dCzryIrb0c">pic.twitter.com/dCzryIrb0c</a>

NBA insider Marc Stein confirmed that the flight did leave on time and Butler did not cause a delay.

Butler is in his sixth season with the Heat but it looks like his time with the franchise is over. He is currently suspended indefinitely by the organization due to conduct detrimental to the team. It is the third suspension the franchise has levied on the 35-year-old this season.

Despite the drama, Butler would be a solid pickup for any team ahead of the Feb. 6 trade deadline. He has averaged 17 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.8 assists in 25 games and could serve as a strong addition to a contending team looking for some help at guard.

His latest conduct could be a deterrent for some suitors, even if the flight rumor is untrue, but his production and the short-term nature of his remaining contract should make a swing for him a bit more feasible. He has been linked to teams like the Golden State Warriors, Phoenix Suns and Houston Rockets.