"That's why Woj was better" - NBA fans pile on Shams Charania after Jimmy Butler's agent Bernie Lee calls out "fabricated" report 

ESPN's Shams Charania continued reporting on Miami Heat star forward Jimmy Butler's trade preferences. However, Butler's agent, Bernie Lee, called out Charania for "fabricating" his insider information, triggering harsh NBA fan criticism.

On Tuesday, Charania reported that Miami was "open to listening to offers" for Butler. He added that "the six-time All-Star is believed to prefer (joining) a win-now contender."

A day later, Charania issued a follow-up report, naming the Phoenix Suns as "another team" Lee "indicated in league circles" that Butler "is open to." He also listed the Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors as the five-time All-NBA selectee's desired trade destinations.

However, Lee promptly refuted Charania's latest report on X/Twitter, challenging the NBA insider's journalistic integrity in a series of scathing tweets.

"Alright, listen. I gave you a pass yesterday because I was busy, but if you don't stop putting my name on your complete and utter made-up bulls**t — because you know you normally aren't worth my time to acknowledge," Lee said.

"— 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.'"

Fans on X continued piling on Charania, targeting his credibility.

"Damn, Shams just lost all his street cred," @NBAW0RLD24 said.

"Shams will forever be the most corrupt reporter in sports," @CharlieQuinnMMA wrote.

"Shams is awful at his job," @wealth_turtle said.

Meanwhile, others asserted that Charania's predecessor, Adrian Wojnarowski, was far superior to him.

"That's why Woj was better," @klayvsthewrld wrote.

"Woj would never," @KaizenXIX said.

"Woj wouldn't let this happen to him, BTW," @BDR1ZZZYYY wrote.

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Jimmy Butler speaks out on uncertain future with Miami Heat amid Shams Charania's controversial reporting

As for Jimmy Butler's thoughts on his uncertain future with Miami, he touched on his involvement in trade rumors on Wednesday.

Butler noted that he "likes" the speculation, as "it's good to be talked about" and "there's no such thing as bad publicity to a point." He added that he remains focused on winning.

"It doesn't bother me one bit, and I do appreciate it," Butler said. "I appreciate going out there and hooping, and I appreciate being efficient, being effective and helping my team win. I don't ever take playing basketball for anybody for granted."

Butler has a $52.4 million player option for next season that he can decline to become a free agent in the offseason. However, according to the Heat star, he is more concerned about his and his family's well-being than securing a contract extension.

"My kids matter, my happiness matters, my well-being matters and my family matters," Butler said. "Right now, it's all about being and staying healthy, playing great basketball, and we have done that so far."

Through 17 outings, Jimmy Butler is averaging 19.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.2 steals per game, shooting 55.7%. Meanwhile, Miami (12-10) entered Wednesday positioned fifth in the Eastern Conference.

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