Jimmy Butler picks sides after agent Bernie Lee and Shams Charania’s skirmish over trade reporting
On Tuesday, Jimmy Butler’s agent, Bernie Lee, ripped Shams Charania, calling the reporter’s Butler trade rumors “utter made up bulls**t.” Lee added in a separate post that what Charania said was “fabricated.” The ESPN star hasn’t responded to Lee’s outrage on X, formerly Twitter.
Jimmy Buckets talked to reporters on Thursday and had this to say about the feud (via Zachary Weinberger):
“I f**king love it. I’m all for the back and forth. … I feel for him [Lee]. At least somebody’s sticking up for me.”
This was the Shams Charania report that riled up Bernie Lee:
"The Phoenix Suns are another team that Jimmy Butler’s agent, Bernie Lee, has indicated in league circles that the six-time All-Star is open to as a destination while Miami listens to trade offers, sources tell ESPN, joining Dallas, Houston and Golden State."
Jimmy Butler is in the books for $48.7 million before getting a $52.4 million player option next season, per Spotrac. Multiple reports surfaced that the versatile forward and the Miami Heat have had contract talks, but have not reached an agreement.
If Butler and the Heat can’t agree on an extension or a new contract, the six-time All-Star could opt out next season and play elsewhere. Miami wouldn’t want to let that happen without getting compensation, hence the trade rumors.
Jimmy Butler’s agent, Bernie Lee, wants Shams Charania to own the mistake
Jimmy Butler’s agent, Bernie Lee, did not just stop by calling out Shams Charania’s trade rumors “fabricated.” He had this to say to the veteran sports journalist:
“Shams this is your opportunity to say my bad “I let chat GPT write my tweets and it went old school Peter Vescey..” (Shams Peter was a writer in the 90’s) be a trend setter.. invent the new I was hacked. Carry on all. Thank you.”
Lee is going full blast on Charania after saying in his first tweet that he had been busy. So far, the agent who also represents Ben Simmons and Kris Dunn has not received a response from the reporter. Butler has enjoyed the skirmish and wouldn't mind an answer from Charania.