Heat can't afford to keep Jimmy Butler beyond NBA trade deadline

Jimmy Butler's tenure in Miami is all but over. He was suspended indefinitely after submitting his trade request and has been involved in numerous issues since then. However, the Heat are finding it difficult to pinpoint a legitimate trade partner, and Butler's $48.7 million salary hinders them. 

Nevertheless, with the Feb. 6 trade deadline fast approaching, Heat president Pat Riley must begin engaging in productive trade talks. 

According to Kevin O'Connor of Yahoo Sports, Miami has reportedly lowered its asking price for the All-Star. 

“The Heat have lowered their asking price for Butler because they’re tired of his act, and they’d like to get something in return instead of letting him walk in free agency for nothing. There’s a fear in Miami that the Nets could absorb salaries this offseason to free cap space for a team, such as the Rockets, to outright sign Butler.” 

Failing to trade Butler before the deadline would be a disaster for the Heat. It's doubtful he will return to Erik Spoelstra's rotation this season, and even if he did, he would be nothing more than a distraction to his teammates. Furthermore, the Heat would be resigned to losing their star player in the summer, with nothing coming back in return. 

Butler wants out now. Miami must part ways with him in the next few days to ensure they get some assets in return. If the partnership continues until the summer, neither side will do the other any favors. That means a sign-and-trade will likely be out of the question. 

Butler's most logical landing spots are the Phoenix Suns, Milwaukee Bucks and Golden State Warriors. It's time Riley started working with those teams to find franchises willing to facilitate the deal. Miami can't expect other front offices to do all the work. 

Butler has put Miami in a tough spot. That said, Riley knew the risks when he acquired a player who had previously forced his way out of two other teams. 

Now, the Heat need everyone's help to put this saga behind them and focus on the remainder of the season. That can only happen once Butler is suiting up for a new team.