Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler has returned to practice after battling a severe illness, but his future with the team remains uncertain due to ongoing trade rumors.
The good news for the Heat: Butler declared himself healthy again after what he described as a fairly severe illness for more than a week and said he will return to the lineup when Miami hosts New Orleans on New Year's Night. The perhaps not-so-good news: When asked Tuesday if he wants to be in Miami, amid now a couple weeks and counting of trade speculation, Butler was noncommittal. 'It's a good question. Who knows? I don't,' Butler said. 'But right now, I'm here.
So, I'm going to make the most of it. I am going to compete, and I am going to win. And that's all that I've got. It's a lot of talk. And it is a lot of noise, which I'm cool with. It doesn't bother me at all. I love that. I thrive in that. But it keeps all y'all wondering. It does. It keeps the world wondering, to where you've got to keep coming back and asking me about something. I like it. It's good to be talked about. Even better to be wanted, though. Remember that.' His return to practice was the latest development in a saga that really has gone on for months — Butler could have gotten an extension from Miami this past summer for as much as $113 million over two years but did not — and began picking up steam again three weeks ago when ESPN reported that the Heat are open to receiving trade offers. Then on Christmas, ESPN reported that Butler prefers a trade before the Feb. 6 deadline and has a list of preferred destinations that include Golden State, Houston, Phoenix and Dallas. Butler did not confirm that he has such a list Tuesday. 'Does it matter? Does it? I don't think so,' Butler said. 'All of that is out of my control, anyway. Like I said, I'm here. I'm hooping.' Butler, who has led the Heat to the NBA Finals twice in his six seasons in Miami, is averaging 18.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.9 assists in 20 games for Miami this season. The Heat are 11-9 when he plays, 5-5 when he doesn't
Jimmy Butler Miami Heat NBA Trade Trade Rumors Return From Injury
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