"I'm not a clickbait type of coach" - Heat coach Erik Spoelstra dodges Jimmy Butler questions amid growing team chaos

Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra steered clear of questions about Jimmy Butler ahead of his team's game against the Utah Jazz on Saturday. Butler has dominated headlines over the past week after publicly expressing his discontent with the Heat, which led to the team suspending him for seven games.

In a pregame press conference before the matchup with the Jazz, Spoelstra emphasized that the team is focused solely on the game. He reiterated that the organization has addressed Butler's trade request and is keen to avoid further distractions.

"I know there's been a lot the last 48 hours," Spoelstra said, according to Heat beat reporter Zachary Weinberger. "We're just going to focus on tonight, wanna quiet all the distractions, enough has been said."

"We have clarity and we are gonna focus on this group in the locker room. That's what I want them to focus on and quiet the noise as much as possible. I'm not a clickbait type of coach, so you're not going to get anything else from me."

After the Miami Heat's 128-115 loss to the Indiana Pacers last Thursday, Jimmy Butler told reporters that he's trying to find his joy back in playing basketball.

"I want to see me getting my joy back playing basketball. Wherever that may be, we'll find out here pretty soon," Butler said. "I'm happy here off the court, but I want to be back to somewhat dominant, I want to hoop and I want to help this team win, and right now I'm not doing it."

The Marquette product then formally requested a trade out of the Heat, while the organization responded by suspending him for at least seven games. Butler joined Miami in 2019 as a free agent, leading the team to two NBA Finals appearances in 2020 and 2023.

However, following a disappointing 2023-24 season and ongoing struggles this year, the partnership appears to be nearing its end. The Heat hold a 17-15 record but have won just five of their last 10 games.

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Golden State Warriors reportedly not interested in Jimmy Butler

Golden State Warriors reportedly not interested in Jimmy Butler. (Photo: IMAGN)

One of the teams initially linked to Jimmy Butler this season is the Golden State Warriors. The team is reportedly searching for a reliable second scoring option to support Steph Curry, as well as a clutch player to help close games.

While Butler fits that profile, a report from The Athletic indicated that Golden State is out of the running for the disgruntled star. The Warriors reportedly prefer to keep Andrew Wiggins rather than bring in the six-time All-Star, who is earning nearly $49 milion this season.

Other teams linked to Butler include the Memphis Grizzlies and Phoenix Suns. The Warriors have reportedly shifted their focus to Chicago Bulls big man Nikola Vucevic.