Mar 19, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; truTV broadcaster Rachel Nichols speaks during the first half between the Arizona Wildcats and the Texas Southern Tigers in the second round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

NBA Reporter Rachel Nichols Makes Bold Jimmy Butler Statement Amid Miami Heat Drama

Originally posted on Fastbreak on SI | By Ben Stinar | Last updated Feb 1, 2025 6:54 PM ET

Jimmy Butler will continue to be the biggest storyline with the NBA trade deadline approaching next week.

Butler is currently serving his third suspension imposed from the team (and clearly wants a trade out of Miami).

Via The Heat on January 27: "The Miami HEAT are suspending Jimmy Butler without pay effective immediately for an indefinite period to last no fewer than five games... The suspension is due to a continued pattern of disregard of team rules, engaging in conduct detrimental to the team and intentionally withholding services. This includes walking out of practice earlier today."

(2/2) The suspension is due to a continued pattern of disregard of team rules, engaging in conduct detrimental to the team and intentionally withholding services. This includes walking out of practice earlier today.
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) January 27, 2025

Recently, long-time NBA reporter Rachel Nichols made a bold statement about Butler ( via Open Floor: SI's NBA Show Podcast).

Nichols: "I just think everyone in this situation has to keep in mind what you would be trading for... He is not the Jimmy Butler he was when Miami acquired him... Jimmy has averaged in his entire time with Miami... 58 games a year during his career there. By the way, he's 35... If no one gives him a contract extension, he can just say, yeah, yeah, I'd like another $50 million."

Butler has a player option in his contract for the 2025-26 season that would pay him $52.4 million.

The six-time NBA All-Star is averaging 17.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.1 steals per contest while shooting 54.0% from the field and 36.1% from the three-point range in 25 games this season.

He is currently in his sixth season with Miami.

This article first appeared on Fastbreak on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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