Is Jimmy Butler playing tonight against Orlando Magic? Latest on Heat's reported trade candidate's status (Dec. 26)

Miami Heat's Jimmy Butler is unavilable to play against the Orlando Magic on Thursday. The six-time NBA All-Star had issues with his conditioning prior to game and was predicted to not suit up. Butler has missed the past two games with an unspecified illness. It will be his eighth absence. The star forward has averaged 18.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.9 assists, shooting 55.2%. The Heat have gone 3-4 without Butler.

His unavilable status for Thursday's game comes at a crucial time, as he's involved in a plethora of trade rumors. According to NBA insider Shams Charania, Butler hasn't demanded a trade. However, he's prepared for his eventual exit from the Heat. Charania also reported that Butler and the Heat fell apart after the franchise failed to bolster his supporting cast.

Over the past three seasons, Miami has missed out on several top candidates, including Kevin Durant, Donovan Mitchell, Kyrie Irving, Damian Lillard and Bradley Beal. Their marquee addition has been Terry Rozier, who joined the team at the 2024 trade deadline.

Jimmy Butler led the Heat to a playoff berth in each of his five previous seasons, including two finals and a conference finals finish. His time away from the team amid trade rumors has only increased speculation around his possible departure.

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Miami Heat not showing urgency to trade Jimmy Butler

Jimmy Butler has ensured he's been professional in his sixth season with the Miami Heat. Barring injuries, he's suited up and played to his potential to give Miami a legitimate chance of regular-season success despite the trade rumors. With that being the case, the Heat are reportedly not showing urgency in trading him.

He still has a player option worth $52 million after this season, and both parties seem to be leveraging that amid this tense situation. If Butler leaves, he could move to the Western Conference. According to Shams Charania, Butler's preferred landing spots are the Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets and Phoenix Suns.

The Warriors and Rockets appear more likely as they have the pieces and assets to make a trade work. However, only time will tell if a deal can come to fruition. Any possible suitor will have almost six weeks to negotiate a package leading up to the Feb. 6, 2025 trade deadline.