Jimmy Butler gives non-committal response about future in Miami amid growing trade rumors

Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler's return to practice was greeted with questions surrounding his future. Following ESPN's Christmas Day report that he was willing to get traded away from the Heat before the February deadline, the six-time NBA All-Star gave a non-commital response about his future.

Butler wasn't willing to let the reporter into what's going on behind the scenes as he has been linked with a trade away from Miami. His response when asked if he prefers to be traded.

“Does it matter? Does it matter?" Butler responded, "I honestly do not care about getting traded, where I’m supposed to go, who’s saying what.... All of that is out of my control anyway.”

Miami Heat longtime president Pat Riley shut down talk of the trade rumor when asked. In the statement, he made it clear that the franchise isn't trading the veteran forward.

"We usually don't comment on rumors, but all this speculation has become a distraction to the team and is not fair to the players and coaches," Pat Riley said. "Therefore, we will make it clear - We are not trading Jimmy Butler."

ESPN's Shams Charania reported that although he is interested in the move, he hasn't publicly made the request to the Heat.

Butler's reported preferred destinations are the Golden State Warriors, Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets. While he still has a $52 million player option in his contract, reports have it that he won't exercise that option and will likely become a free agent in July.

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Jimmy Butler on his injury status ahead of New Pelicans game

Jimmy Butler has not appeared on the court for the Miami Heat since Dec. 20. His absence was listed as a stomach bug and reconditioning, however, with his recent appearance in practice he made it clear he wants to be back on the court against the New Orleans Pelicans.

NBA: New Orleans Pelicans at Miami Heat - Source: Imagn

The Heat are slated to face the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday evening in Miami. This season he is averaging 18.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.9 assists.