Jimmy Butler reiterates trade demand in face-to-face meeting with Heat’s Pat Riley

Jimmy Butler redoubles his efforts to leave Miami.

The Heat superstar met with team president Pat Riley face-to-face last week to reiterate his desire to be removed from the franchise, according to a report from ESPN.

The six-time NBA All-Star told Riley he would not sign an extension with the team and planned to “use his $52 million player option for 2025-26 during the offseason only as a commercial maneuver,” according to Le Monde. Large leader.

The meeting is the latest chapter in what has become a long saga between Butler and the Heat after more than five seasons and two NBA Finals appearances together.

Butler, 35, told the franchise earlier this month that he wanted to leave South Beach after weeks of trade rumors.

He is currently serving a seven-game suspension “for multiple instances of conduct detrimental to the team” this season.

Last week, Butler appeared to throw shade at the Heat brass when speaking to an employee at his brick-and-mortar BigFace Coffee store in the Miami Design District, saying, “He’s our best guy here.” Do you see that? I paid you a compliment. That’s what bosses do. We build you up, we don’t tear you down,” while giving a thumbs up.

Butler is no stranger to ugly breakups with previous drama-filled outings in Chicago, Minnesota and Philadelphia.

In 22 games this season, his 14th in the NBA, Butler is averaging 17.6 points per game on 55.2 percent shooting with 5.5 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game.

Considered a legendary playoff player, Butler has been limited by injuries and load management during the regular season in recent years, playing in more than 60 games just once during his time in Miami.

The Heat are 20-18, which places them tied for seventh in the Eastern Conference heading into Tuesday’s game.