Jimmy Butler's agent dismisses Heat contract and trade rumors as 'disrespectful' | News, results, highlights, statistics and rumors

Jimmy Butler's agent Bernie Lee isn't a fan of speculation about the Miami Heat star's future contract status.

Lee told Anthony Chiang about it Miami Herald that the rumors were “disrespectful” to the 35-year-old:

“The gift of sport is that things are largely absolutes and you don't have to live in hypotheses. The absolute is the season ahead and the work that needs to be done. “Jimmy went away this summer and prepared for the task.” I think we all see that. Speculation about what comes next is irrelevant to the moment and this group. One of the main things I noticed about Jimmy was creating a process. He's locked into that process and routine and ready to attack this season with the group around him.

Butler has a $52.4 million player option for the 2025-26 season, allowing him to become a free agent in 2025. ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported on October 4 that the forward “wants to be in Miami” and wants another contract with the Heat.

Shams Charania reported for The Athletic on June 26 that Butler would not sign a contract extension with the Heat or “any other team” until his player option deadline expires in 2025. Charania also noted that his decision to play the 2024-25 season clarified “any notion of trade demand” due to the lack of expansion.

Team president Pat Riley revealed that he has had discussions with Lee, but has not met as often with Butler about a new deal.

“I spoke to his agent at times,” Riley said Thursday, according to Chiang. “…I don't have to sit down and have these meetings with (Butler) anymore. He’s a very intelligent man.”

Butler's tenure with Miami has been successful, leading the team to two NBA Finals appearances since joining in 2019. Last season, he averaged 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game on 49.9/41.4/85.8 shooting splits.

Riley mentioned Butler's availability when discussing a possible extension in May.

“That's a big decision on our part to provide those types of resources unless you have someone who's there and available every night,” Riley said, via Associated Press (h/t NBA.com). “That's the truth.”

The six-time All-Star has struggled to stay healthy in recent years, appearing in over 60 games in just one of his five years with the team.

As Miami's regular-season opener approaches on Wednesday, it's clear that Butler and his representatives are focused on finishing his 2024-25 season with the Heat.