Jimmy Butler's agent Bernie Lee blasts NBA insider Shams Charania's reporting on Heat star's links to Suns
Jimmy Butler's agent, Bernard Lee, called out ESPN's Shams Charania for his report regarding the Miami Heat star being linked to the Phoenix Suns. On Wednesday, Charania reported about Butler being open to getting traded to the Suns.
In the ESPN Insider's report, he referenced Lee, saying the agent indicated in league circles about Butler's preferred destination. However, the agent wasn't a fan of how it was reported and called him out on X (formerly Twitter).
"Alright listen. I gave you a pass yesterday because I was busy but if you don’t stop putting my name on your complete and utter made up bullshit because you know you normally arent worth my time to acknowledge," Lee posted.
Butler's agent said Charania's report "is fabricated."
Lee gave the ESPN reporter a chance to apologize for his post on social media.
Charania has yet to respond.
Jimmy Butler responded to the trade rumors about him
The Heat have yet to offer to extend Jimmy Butler's contract. He's been rumored to be traded to teams like the Suns, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks. On Wednesday, Butler spoke to reporters and addressed the trade rumors surrounding him.
“I actually like it,” Butler said. “It’s good to be talked about. I don’t think there’s (such a) thing as bad publicity—to a point. But, you know, somebody talks about me getting traded; it’s a lot.”
The Heat forward talked about his plans for the future, especially his thoughts on a new contract.
“My kids matter, my happiness matters. My well-being matters, and my family matters. Right now, it’s all about staying healthy and playing basketball; I think I’ve done that so far, so let’s see what happens.”
The Heat star is set to earn $48.7 million this season, as his deal expires in the summer. If Butler chooses not to exercise his $52.4 million player option, he will have the opportunity to become a free agent.
The 6-foot-7 forward is in his sixth season in Miami, averaging 19.0 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists. Butler is making 55.7% of his shots from the field and 36% from beyond the arc.
During the 2023-24 NBA season, there was an expectation that Butler would sign a new deal with the Heat. According to the Miami Herald, the six-time All-Star sought to sign a two-year, $113 million from the franchise. However, the organization did not offer a new deal.