The basketball world has long known that it is no secret Jimmy Butler wants out of Miami, as he reportedly "tripled down" on his trade request to the Heat's front office, per ESPN's Shams Charania.
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Shams:
"Jimmy Butler has tripled down on his trade request. I'm told the Heat have had some productive conversations on a potential Butler trade this week" pic.twitter.com/2jW33NjeZy
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) January 21, 2025
That is, now fans believe Butler hinted at his preferred destination with the customized shoes he wore during Tuesday night's 116-107 loss vs. the Portland Trailblazers.
The 6x All-Star was seen sporting his signature Li Ning JB3 shoe, specifically in a Phoenix Suns colorway.
Jimmy Butler was CLEARLY making a statement tonight with the Phoenix Suns colorway on his shoes. pic.twitter.com/YNUPjrtkO0
— Hater Report (@HaterReport_) January 22, 2025
Jimmy Butler in Miami’s huddle tonight
Jimmy Butler’s shoes tonight
He is a Phoenix Sun, folks. pic.twitter.com/vbVbzAIqbT
— LEEZUS (@AndrewLeezus) January 22, 2025
On this note, the feelings may be mutual, as the Suns made a trade on Tuesday, which involved giving up their 2031 first round draft pick to the Utah Jazz in exchange for three more first-round picks (2025, 2027, 2029).
This is an aggressive move for Phoenix and unlocks the franchise's next six drafts -- and most importantly, breaks up their lone tradable first in 2031 into three future firsts. The Suns now have tripled their first-rounders. https://t.co/kd8gmaegTi
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 22, 2025
NBA insider Keith Smith also pointed out that Phoenix's recent acquisition of draft picks may be leading up to a larger deal, presumably a trade offer for Butler.
Smith wrote on X, "Hmmmm. Suns adding some extra first-rounders? Wonder if they've got something already loaded up that they needed them for. Things just got really interesting!"
From here when it comes to Butler (whose intended landing spot remains Phoenix), keep an eye on the Bucks, and, possibly, the Raptors. https://t.co/WVtPvwG4FU
— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) January 22, 2025
Certainly, Butler made a statement with his shoes, as his top landing in a potential trade seemingly would be teaming up with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker in Phoenix.
There is strong mutual interest between the Suns and Jimmy Butler, per @ShamsCharania.
Phoenix appears ready to make a move to form a superstar big three of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Butler.
Bradley Beal would need to waive his full no-trade clause for this deal to occur. pic.twitter.com/RUUvgE9Nlk
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) December 17, 2024
Time will tell if his wish will come true, if it does, he certainly already has the right shoes to match the "the Valley" color-way uniforms.
Jimmy Butler wore a Phoenix Suns-like, orange, purple, & yellow colorway on his sneakers in Miami’s game against Portland on Tuesday night 👀👟
▪️One of Butler’s preferred destinations is Phoenix
▪️Suns just traded one 1st round pick for THREEDid Jimmy just play his last… pic.twitter.com/lFef82JCKx
— Courtside Buzz (@CourtsideBuzzX) January 22, 2025
