[Miami Heat president Pat Riley has issued a statement on Jimmy Butler’s future with the franchise, amidst trade rumors. Riley said, “We usually don’t comment on rumors, but all this speculation has become a distraction to the team and is not fair to the players and coaches. Therefore, we will make it clear – We are not trading Jimmy Butler.” Riley added that the team will hold on to the six-time NBA All-Star and that he will continue to be a key part of the team.
Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra also expressed his desire to see Butler remain with the team, saying, “You have to compartmentalize in this business. We want Jimmy here. There’s no ifs, ands or buts about it. And it’s just unfortunate that you have to control or deal with a lot of the noise on the outside.”
Butler, who has been with the Heat since 2019, has helped lead the team to two NBA Finals appearances and has been a key player in the team’s success. He averages 18.5 points-per-game alongside 5.8 rebounds and 4.9 assists this season. Despite being ruled out of the team’s upcoming game against the Orlando Magic with a “return to competition reconditioning” designation, it is clear that the Heat are committed to keeping Butler on the roster.
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