Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler. Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Jimmy Butler imitates Damian Lillard celebration again as trade rumors heat up

By Noah Decker | Last updated 8/29/23

Damian Lillard's trade request has been one of the hottest topics of the 2022-23 NBA offseason. Although his wish to be traded to the Miami Heat has yet to be fulfilled, some Heat players aren't shying away from making big gestures to recruit Lillard to Miami.

Heat All-Star Jimmy Butler performed a familiar-looking celebration after hitting a shot at his camp. Butler is hosting a camp this summer in which he also plays against some of his fans. In this video, Butler hits a three-pointer over a camper and then imitates the famous "Dame Time" celebration.

Jimmy Butler let’s his campers know it’s Dame Time

(h/t @5ReasonsSports / @BradyHawk305) pic.twitter.com/WkkENzIISH
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 28, 2023

Lillard has used the celebration after hitting a countless number of clutch shots during his NBA career.

It is no coincidence that Butler would be mimicking this celebration at the same time as the trade rumors swirl around Lillard and the Heat. Butler is trying to recruit Lillard to the Heat, and at the same time expedite the process that has taken place over two months with no signs of progress.

This isn't the first time Butler has made a gesture that suggests he is recruiting Dame to the Heat. He imitated the "Dame Time" celebration earlier this summer during his Li-Ning Tour in China. He also revealed that he was listening to music by Lillard under his rapper name "Dame D.O.L.L.A."

Butler's imitation of Lillard might also be a calculated move. Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald suggests that trade negotiations between the Heat and the Trail Blazers could pick up with training camp approaching. The Heat star is calling attention to the situation. He hints to the Trail Blazers organization that they should simply get it over with and trade their star player before it drags on and causes unnecessary drama.

With training camp beginning on Oct. 3, Butler may get his wish soon. The two sides will likely look to get the situation resolved and enter training camp with a team they intend to play the season with.

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