Butler to Warriors trade talks bog down

Sports

SOME of the biggest names in the NBA have been moved, but while major swaps that were least expected have been consummated, an inevitable deal involving one of the league’s superstars has yet to materialize.

The scrutinizing eyes of hoops fans are following the Miami Heat and Jimmy Butler–the mercurial veteran forward who wants to see himself plays elsewhere.

According to reports, the Heat and the Golden State Warriors were in a discussion that would have sent Butler playing alongside fellow veteran Stephen Curry.

But per Brian Windhorst of ESPN, negotiations fell off when the 6-foot-7 Butler refused to commit to stay with the Warriors long-term by declining to sign an extension.

With the trade talks with the Warriors failing to get going, the Heat are now racing against to find their disgruntled star a new home.

The NBA trade deadline is on February 7 (Philippine time).

Miami’s relationship with the 35-year-old forward has soured.

Butler has been suspended three times last month. He was slapped with a seven-game suspension “for conduct detrimental to the team.”

He was again suspended for two games for missing the team flight. He was about to return from the two-game ban when he was suspended indefinitely for walking out from a team practice.

Butler reportedly walked out after he was informed that he was not going to be a part of the team’s starting five.

The Heat are currently sixth in the Eastern Conference with a 24-23 (win-loss) record.

Butler has only played 25 games this season, averaging 17.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.1 steals per outing.

While Miami could not pull off a deal involving Butler, some teams have already completed blockbuster deals.

The LA Lakers have acquireed Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks, who in return got big man Anthony Davis.

De’Aaron Fox has also found a new home after the Sacramento Kings sent him to the San Antonio Spurs in a multi-team deal that also saw Zach LaVine leave the Chicago Bulls for the Sacramento Kings.(CCM)