Jimmy Butler's immediate future projects to be in Miami

The Jimmy Butler trade saga is dominating NBA airways. Butler, 35, recently rocked the Miami Heat by handing in a trade request, sending multiple peripheral contenders into scramble mode. Butler is one of the most proven playoff commodities in the NBA. 

Despite initial reports linking numerous teams with a potential deal for Butler, interest has begun to wane. The Golden State Warriors have essentially removed themselves from the running, and the talk surrounding the Los Angeles Lakers as a potential destination has gone silent. That leaves the Phoenix Suns as the only potential suitor, and that would mean finding a new home for Bradley Beal, who has a no-trade clause to complicate things further.

According to ESPN's Bobby Marks, who appeared on a recent episode of Sirius XM NBA Radio, Butler and the Heat are likely to remain connected for the rest of the season. 

"Miami has been pretty firm in terms of what they're looking for," Marks said. "They're not looking for Bradley Beal and what's left of his contract. They're not looking for a long-term salary that could be a hindrance. I think there is a strong likelihood Jimmy Butler is on the Heat roster past the Feb. 6 trade deadline and he picks up that $52 million player option ...I think it would be more likely for him to opt into the contract then see where you stand as far as a trade standpoint...Both sides need each other, Miami needs Butler, and Butler needs Miami."