The Heat Star’s comments give rise to more speculation

On By Littum

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Miami Heat President Pat Riley recently made it known that the team had no intentions of trading Jimmy Butler.

However, Butler made it clear on Thursday evening that he would very much like to be traded.

The six-time All-Star said after Miami’s 128-115 loss to Indiana that he wants to “get my joy back in playing basketball. Wherever that may be. We’ll figure this out pretty soon.”

Butler scored just nine points on six attempts during Thursday’s loss. His comments came after he was asked about his role in the Heat’s offense.

Butler made it a point to say he was happy in Miami … “off the court.”

“I want to get back to (being) a little bit dominant. I want to jump and I want to help this team win. Right now I’m not,” Butler said

Asked if he could get his joy back on the field with Miami, Butler said, “Probably not.”

ESPN also reported late Thursday that Butler “has indicated to the Miami Heat that he wants the team to trade him.” ESPN added that Butler “is open to playing anywhere other than Miami.”

Last week, Riley issued a simple statement commenting on the Butler trade rumors. “We don’t usually comment on rumors, but all of this speculation has become a distraction to the team and is not fair to the players and coaches. Therefore, we want to make it clear – We are not trading Jimmy Butler,” Riley said in the statement.

Thursday’s events will only add to the speculation as the trade deadline approaches.