NBA insider Shams Charania is widely considered to be among the most accurate and timely reporters in the league. Nevertheless, he was mercilessly called out by the agent of Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler, calling into question his reporting about Butler's availability.
Shams previously reported that Butler was open to playing for the Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, and Dallas Mavericks, along with another team, the Phoenix Suns. But Butler's agent quickly pushed back on that assertion in a series of tweets that took the NBA world by storm. Take a look.
I don’t know what I’m going to do because I’m a middle aged dad but just know it would indicate severe dislike. World… all this is fabricated. I have never and honestly it wouldn’t help me or the position I represent to do anything that’s been reported by said “journalist” https://t.co/1KOXza9SKg
— Bernard Lee (@BernieoLee) December 11, 2024
Butler's agent, Bernard Lee, pushing back against Shams is a surprising development considering that Butler has been seen as being widely available. After all, he will be an unrestricted free agent after this season and seems unlikely to return to the Heat after they failed to agree to a contract extension over the summer.
With Miami in the bottom half of the Eastern Conference standings, it seemed plausible that they would be open to trading him, and Shams reported a list of teams that made plenty of sense and still stands by it.
The Rockets are Butler's hometown team; the Mavericks aren't far away and have title aspirations after making the NBA finals last season, while the Warriors are in the market for a star to pair with Steph Curry.
Even so, Butler's agent vehemently denied that Shams' reporting was true, and there has even been pushback by another NBA insider, Marc Stein.
What should Miami Heat fans believe about trade rumors involving Jimmy Butler?
It is possible that Shams' reporting is indeed accurate but received pushback from Lee due to a personal issue or at the behest of Butler. Shams has had a strong track record over the years of accurate reporting, and it is possible that Butler will end up on one of those four teams. However, the Warriors and Mavericks appear to be the most likely options of the four.
The Heat should look to move on from Butler, given that they have younger players such as emerging star Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo to build around. Getting what they can get for Butler will help them rebuild or retool and enter a new era.
That will depend on whether Shams' reporting is accurate. If it is, then the Heat should be able to get back a decent return for one of their best players. If it isn't, then Shams' credibility may take a hit.