Insider claims Jimmy Butler is ‘absolutely ready’ to play for the Heat again if not traded

Would you Miami Heat and Jimmy Butler reconcile your relationship this season? Probably not, but there was a positive update, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes. He dropped a message that Heat fans will likely rejoice after Butler was previously suspended by the team.

“I have been told that (Butler) is fully prepared to return to play for the Miami Heat if he is not moved by the time the suspension is lifted,” Haynes said via X.

The ongoing battle between Butler and Heath is well documented. Interestingly, it’s not even the organization that he’s too upset about. It’s Pat Riley. It is interesting that Butler doubled down on the Heat and Riley about the trade. However, his boldness comes with a response from Miami’s team president.

He never played games. There was a standoff between the two over a trade request. Riley doesn’t seem to plan on trading Butler to the team. Not to mention, Butler has listed the teams he wants to be sent to. Other franchises have accepted Butler’s demands, but Riley will have none of it.

After all, he is a multiple NBA champion as a head coach and executive. Riley was a big advocate for Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra after the team lost in the 2011 NBA Finals. He understands responsibility and can see through situations unlike any other executive in the league.

Jimmy Butler is likely to return to the Heat

Even if Butler does return, it could be another huge distraction for the team. After all, there was plenty of discourse before and during the trade request rumors. After the loss to the Indiana Pacers, then Butler wanted to be traded from the Heat. Fast forward and no tires made it to the road for any possible trade.

He was interested in the Phoenix Suns, and they reciprocated that interest. However, Bradley Beal has a no-trade clause and that would be the piece needed to make the trade work. Furthermore, Miami has no interest in acquiring Beal if the trade falls through. So there are plenty of moving parts in Butler’s possible decision to return.

He can use this as fuel for a deep playoff run, though. Butler has been underestimated countless times in his career. He could use this moment to stick it to Riley if he wanted to. However, that is if Butler returns to the Heat and plays out the rest of the season. For now, it’s just a hypothetical at this point.