As Jimmy Butler serves out his seven-game suspension, recent reports indicate that the Miami Heat are struggling to finalize a trade that satisfies both parties. According to Steve Bulpett of Heavy, league insiders are skeptical about the team’s ability to secure an acceptable deal before the looming February 6 trade deadline. The situation is complicated by various factors that hinder potential trades.

Numerous league executives have raised concerns about Miami’s ability to secure a beneficial deal prior to the trade deadline. The skepticism stems from the fact that Jimmy Butler is now 35 years old and may not hold significant trade value. One executive, who oversees basketball operations, pointed out that the Phoenix Suns might be the most interested team in Butler, largely due to their struggles and the burdensome contract of Bradley Beal.

“Besides Phoenix, I’m unsure of any teams that would want to absorb Jimmy Butler’s contract, except for those looking to unload their own unwanted deals — and Miami is unlikely to entertain that,” the executive said.

The core issue revolves around Butler’s age and his aspirations for a lucrative contract extension this summer. In his sixth season with the Heat, Butler has participated in only 22 of the team’s 36 games to date, exemplifying a troubling trend of frequent injuries and absences.

At the beginning of the season, Butler committed to being more available after receiving a challenge from team president Pat Riley in the wake of Miami’s playoff exit last spring. However, given his ongoing injury issues and his desire for a significant salary increase, the Heat have hesitated to grant him an extension.

“Overall, Jimmy has been beneficial for Miami, but he presents challenges as well,” a league source told Bulpett. “He leads the team; he doesn’t consistently play, and injuries seem to emerge at inconvenient times.”

“It’s apparent he isn’t performing at his previous peak. While he has thrived as a leader and clutch player, his availability has become inconsistent,” the source added.

This season, Butler is averaging only 17.6 points per game, the lowest scoring output he has seen in over a decade. Nevertheless, his shooting efficiency remains commendable, with percentages of .552 from the field, .375 from beyond the arc, and .788 from the free-throw line. Despite these stats, many analysts question whether Butler can maintain a level of play that justifies a hefty new contract, especially at age 35.

Although Butler has indicated plans to decline his $52.4 million player option for the upcoming season and explore free agency, his current circumstances with the Heat may complicate that decision.

Additional concerns arise regarding Pat Riley‘s actual commitment to Butler. Reports from Bulpett suggest that Riley’s late December declaration that Butler was off the trading block was likely a reaction to perceived inadequate trade offers.

“I genuinely believe the Heat explored trade options for Jimmy before Pat publicly stated, ‘We’re not trading Jimmy Butler,’” an executive shared. “At the very least, they evaluated potential deals with all interested teams, particularly those that are in a position to win and that Jimmy would consider joining.”

Currently, Butler has been maintaining his conditioning at Kaseya Center while the rest of the Heat team is on a road trip. Coach Erik Spoelstra has chosen to keep details of their conversations private.

“Certainly, I’ve had discussions with him. I maintain a close relationship with the coach,” Spoelstra stated to reporters. “Those conversations remain between us, out of respect.”

As trade negotiations continue, the Heat have yet to receive an offer that meets their criteria, according to Barry Jackson from The Miami Herald. Miami is prepared to welcome Butler back for their home game on January 17 if no trade is finalized by that date.

Jackson also highlights that the Heat are open to retaining Butler for the remainder of the season and addressing his situation in the offseason. As the trade deadline approaches, Butler’s future with the Heat remains uncertain, leaving fans and analysts alike wondering about the team’s next steps.