Tuesday, February 04, 2025

But, maybe there were two messages, and maybe the "Heat" is willing to kiss-and-make-up

 Micky Arison doesn't want Jimmy Butler away from team while earning his salary if not traded

"Hoops Hype" is just reporting what Ira Winderman wrote in the Sun-Sentinal. (It's behind a pay wall, so this is "Hoops Hype"'s summary:

If there is no Butler trade by Thursday’s deadline, then it will reopen the debate of whether Butler could be worked back into the mix for the balance of the season. Heat owner Micky Arison is reportedly against the notion of allowing Butler to remain away from the team while collecting salary.

Reddit's summary is to same effect:

[Ira Winderman] No Butler Trade by Deadline Could Reopen Reintegration Debate; Arison Opposed to Paying Absent Star

Source

[Jimmy's] camp insists he’d only commit long-term to the Suns, who may offer Bradley Beal (owed $57.1M in 2026-27) in a trade.

The Heat are prioritizing 2026 salary-cap flexibility, complicating potential deals. If no trade occurs, Butler’s suspension could extend through Monday's game against the Boston Celtics.

The Heat and Jimmy Butler remain at an impasse ahead of the trade deadline, with ownership resisting paying Butler during his absence. A failed trade could force Miami to reconsider his role for the remainder of the season, including a potential return against the Celtics. The Suns’ Bradley Beal and Warriors’ Andrew Wiggins are noted as possible trade targets.