Miami Heat

Report: ‘Something happened’ after Suns visited Heat in December that altered Jimmy Butler situation

Published by
Jesse Cinquini

Back on Dec. 7, Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat took on the Phoenix Suns in what appeared to be a relatively inconsequential game at first glance. After all, the season was still young at that point, and the Suns didn’t have Kevin Durant in the lineup.

However, according to Ethan J. Skolnick of Five Reasons Sports, “something happened” after the Suns visited the Heat that changed the dynamic of Butler’s situation with the Miami organization.

Of course, Butler’s name has been thrown around in trade rumors in recent weeks, with the Suns being among the teams that have been linked to the 35-year-old forward as a preferred destination for him.

It’s worth noting that the league overall supposedly doesn’t love the idea of Butler being traded to the Suns. One anonymous NBA player claimed a few days back that folks around the league are hoping it doesn’t come to fruition because of fears that Phoenix would instantly be thrust into contention.

A trio of Butler, Durant and Devin Booker would — at least on paper — provide the Suns with a great combination of scoring firepower and stingy defense, perhaps elevating them to new heights in the Western Conference.

But there are reasons to be skeptical of how Butler would fit in Phoenix. For example, Phoenix already has a talented trio, yet the Suns have not looked like a real threat to win the 2025 NBA title so far.

The Suns sit just barely above the .500 mark more than halfway through the 2024-25 regular season with a record of 23-21. Phoenix owns the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference, putting the team in play-in territory as of now.

Phoenix doesn’t have much more time left to trade for Butler, as the trade deadline is slated for Feb. 6. Fans could soon get further clarity on what happened around the time of the Dec. 6 game between the Heat and Suns if Butler is dealt to Phoenix in the near future, or the situation could simply remain a mystery.

Jesse Cinquini

Jesse is an aspiring sports journalist that has previously worked as a staff writer at SB Nation’s CelticsBlog and The Knicks Wall.

Published by
Jesse Cinquini

Recent Posts

Ja Morant opens up about Grizzlies firing Taylor Jenkins: ‘It’s tough for me’

Guard Ja Morant suited up for the first time since the Memphis Grizzlies fired Taylor…

17 hours ago

Tyrese Haliburton on ‘easy decision’ to name SGA MVP: ‘If you took a player poll, I’m sure he would win’

Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has a compelling case to win this season's MVP…

19 hours ago

Report: ‘Early expectation’ is that Clint Capela will sign elsewhere this summer

Big man Clint Capela is in his fifth season playing for the Atlanta Hawks, and…

3 days ago

Stephen A. says LeBron is in his feelings: ‘Could it be because I don’t believe you’re the G.O.A.T.?’

ESPN's Stephen A. Smith claimed on Wednesday that if his confrontation with Los Angeles Lakers…

4 days ago

LeBron James reflects on 2007 Cavs roster that he took to NBA Finals: ‘How is that possible?’

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James recently reflected on the 2006-07 Cleveland Cavaliers and their…

5 days ago

Shannon Sharpe implies Jamal Murray defers to Nikola Jokic like Kobe deferred to Shaq: ‘Murray is more than capable’

An ankle injury has kept Denver Nuggets star big man Nikola Jokic sidelined for more…

6 days ago