Jimmy Butler Says He "Doesn't Know" If He Wants To Stay With Heat

The future has never been more uncertain for Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler. During a recent chat with the media, the All-NBA forward opened up on the recent trade rumors and if he wanted a trade out of the franchise.

"Does it matter? Does it? I don't think so, all of that is out of my control anyways," said Butler. "So, that's it. I'm here, I'm hooping."

When asked specifically about whether or not he wanted to stay with the Heat franchise, Butler shrugged off the question entirely and refused to reveal any plans about his intentions for the future.

"That's a good question. Who knows? I don't, but right now I'm here, so I'm going to make the most of it," said Butler. "It doesn't bother me at all... I love that, I thrive in that. It keeps the world wondering. It's good to be talked about, even better to be wanted."

Butler, 35, has been the subject of countless trade rumors over the past few weeks after it was reported that he was at odds with the Heat front office. After years of losing and failing to deliver another championship to the city, Pat Riley and Erik Spoelstra have run out of patience and many believe their title window has already closed.

The best path for the Heat at this point might be a total rebuild, which Butler would have no part in as a 13-year veteran looking to win his first championship. But with no trade deal imminent at this time, the Heat have nothing left to do but play on with their current roster and hope for the best.

At 16-14 through the first 30 games, the Heat are currently 7th in the East with an identical record to the Giannis-led Milwaukee Bucks. With Butler (18.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game), Bam Adebayo (16.1 points, 9.9 rebounds, 4.7 assists per game), and Tyler Herro  (24.0 points, 5.7 assists, 5.2 rebounds per game) this season, the Heat have a solid core of veterans and young stars keeping them in contention.

But if the Heat want to commit to one way or the other they'll have to be willing to give something up. No matter how much the Heat may try to downplay this, their ties to Butler are undeniable now and it could have major implications on the Eastern Conference hierarchy.

With Butler out of the picture, the Heat are sure to go younger and it will likely keep them on the lower end of the standings. But if they want to keep Butler and show him that they are invested in the cause, it might be better to give up one of their assets in exchange for someone who can help them win now.

As for where Butler might end up next, the possibilities are endless. As one of the NBA's premier two-way wings, any team would be better for adding Jimmy but he may still not be enough for most teams to de-throne the Celtics this year.

Either way, Butler's uncertainty has caused much speculation about his future and it's only a matter of time before we find out what the Heat have planned. For now, their only focus is on the next game, which is against the New Orleans Pelicans at Kaseya Center at 7:30 PM EST. On Thursday, January 2nd, they play the Indiana Pacers at 7:30 PM EST at home. Finally, the Heat will defend their home court again on January 4th against the Utah Jazz at 8:00 PM EST.