Is Jimmy Butler playing tonight against the Orlando Magic? The latest on the Heat’s trade candidate status report (Dec. 26)

Miami Heat’s Jimmy Butler is unable to play against the Orlando Magic on Thursday. The six-time NBA All-Star had fitness issues before the game and was not expected to suit up. Butler has missed the last two games due to an unspecified illness. It will be his eighth absence. The star forward averaged 18.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.9 assists, shooting 55.2%. The Heat went 3-4 without Butler.

His unavailable status for Thursday’s game comes at a crucial time, as he has been embroiled in a host of trade rumors. According to NBA insider Shams Charania, Butler did not request a trade. However, he is ready for his eventual exit from Heat. Charania also reported that Butler and the Heat parted ways after the franchise failed to strengthen his supporting cast.

Over the past three seasons, Miami has been without several top prospects, including Kevin Durant, Donovan Mitchell, Kyrie Irving, Damian Lillard and Bradley Beal. Their main addition was Terry Rozier, who joined the team at the 2024 trade deadline.

Jimmy Butler led the Heat to the playoffs in each of his five previous seasons, including two finals and a conference final. His time away from the team amid trade rumors only added to the speculation surrounding his possible departure.

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The Miami Heat show no urgency to trade Jimmy Butler

Jimmy Butler has made sure he’s a pro in his sixth season with the Miami Heat. Barring injuries, he has trained and played up to his potential to give Miami a legitimate chance at regular season success despite trade rumors. That being the case, the Heat reportedly show no urgency in trading him.

He still has a $52 million player option after this season, and both sides appear to be taking advantage of that amid this tense situation. If Butler leaves, he could move to the Western Conference. According to Shams Charania, Butler’s preferred landing spots are the Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets and Phoenix Suns.

The Warriors and Rockets seem more likely because they have the pieces and assets to make a successful trade. However, only time will tell if an agreement will be reached. Any potential suitor will have nearly six weeks to negotiate a package until the Feb. 6, 2025, trade deadline.