Report: Butler reiterates trade request in meeting with Riley
Jimmy Butler reiterated his desire to be traded during a face-to-face meeting last week with Miami Heat president of basketball operations Pat Riley, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania.
Butler told Riley that he won't sign a new contract with the club and intends to use his $52-million player option for next season as a trade maneuver, Charania added.
Heat officials will apparently meet later this week to discuss the best course of action with the disgruntled star.
Miami's front office has engaged with multiple teams on a potential trade but has been hesitant to negotiate further, sources told Charania.
Riley also hasn't shown an urgency to deal the six-time All-Star, Charania reported.
Butler's seven-game, team-issued suspension for "multiple instances" of detrimental conduct is set to end Thursday. The Heat reportedly expect Butler to rejoin the club if he isn't traded by then.
Miami has gone 3-3 during Butler's absence and sits seventh in the East entering Tuesday.
Butler's averaging 17.6 points, 5.5 boards, 4.7 assists, and 1.2 steals across 22 appearances this season.
HEADLINES
- Butler on trade rumors: 'Sooner or later, the whole truth will come out'
- Why Butler won't get his way in standoff with Pat Riley, Heat
- Knicks' quietly improved defense makes them look like contenders
- Big board: Top 25 players who could be dealt at the NBA trade deadline
- Without Morant, Grizzlies hand Spurs their largest loss of season