Jimmy Butler Reportedly Wants to Sign With Heat

Jimmy Butler may make the first move of this blockbuster free agency

Dwyane Wade #3 of the Miami Heat talks with Jimmy Butler
Image via Getty/Michael Reaves
Dwyane Wade #3 of the Miami Heat talks with Jimmy Butler

Jimmy Butler may be taking his talent to South Beach. The star is reportedly aiming to join the Miami Heat.ย 

The Heat are slated to be the first team Butler meets with in free agency. He'll use this meeting to tell the franchise that he intends to continue his career in Miami, according to the Associated Press' Tim Reynold.

Not that this is a surprise - or means anything - but Jimmy Butler is expected to tell Miami officials tonight that he wishes to play for the Heat, per source.

— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) June 30, 2019

While Butler did tell the Timberwolves he wanted to be traded to the Heat, it was assumed Butler would settle with either the Houston Rockets or the Los Angeles Lakersย if he decided to leave Philly. But as free agency inched closer, the Heat were once again thrust into the conversation.

Nah bro. Letโ€™s kill that rumor now. It would only be for the HEAT! @JimmyButler whatโ€™s good ๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ˜‚ https://t.co/Va497k4uPt

— DWade (@DwyaneWade) June 29, 2019

Philly reportedly hasn't ruled out the possibility of a sign and trade to make up for the void Butler's absence would create. But if they decide to relinquish his rights, the Sixers mayย shift their focus into keeping Tobias Harris or applying pressure to one of the valued role players looking for deals.

Butler's deal with the Heat shows how money can change just about anything. While playing for the Bulls in 2013, Butler answered a few fashion questions for the Chicago Splash. When asked about the one thing he'd never wear, Butler said a "Miami Heat jersey."

ย 

Latest in Sports