ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania lately took the basketball world abruptly when he reported that the Miami Warmth had been open to star ahead Jimmy Butler.
Some Warmth followers reacted with shock and others with disappointment. Then there was Butler’s agent, Bernie Lee, who took to Twitter (previously X) and angrily questioned Charania’s reporting, credibility and integrity.
Charania then defended himself and he nonetheless doesn’t again down. Throughout a December 17 look on The Pat McAfee PresentCharania stated he stands “a thousand %” by his reporting.
“It’s most likely essentially the most fact-checked story I feel I’ve ever printed,” Charania stated. “I’m so assured on this story.”
“I stand 1000% true to my reporting on the Jimmy Butler state of affairs.
That is most likely essentially the most verified story I’ve ever printed and I’ve a lot confidence on this story.
The Warmth are open to listening to commerce gives for Jimmy Butler” ~ @ShamsCharania #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/xUDN02LxyY
– Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) December 17, 2024
Miami Warmth proprietor Micky Arison retweeted Lee’s put up accusing Charania of constructing up the story.
Though Butler didn’t personally assault Charania when assembly with reporters final week, he made it clear that he stood by his agent.
“I f—— adore it,” Butler stated. “I adore it, I’m all for the forwards and backwards.” Earlier than he turned my agent, he advised me, “I assume we’re like brothers now, we do the whole lot collectively.” »
Butler will enter unrestricted free company subsequent summer season and is anticipated to say no his $52.4 million participant choice. He can choose out of his contract and signal a two-year, $113 million extension.
What ought to Butler count on on the open market? Charania hinted that Butler would possibly need to mood his expectations.
“[The Heat are] I am not afraid there is a group prepared to offer it to him [a max contract]”Charania advised McAfee.
Charania’s ESPN colleague Bobby Marks reported one thing related earlier this week. Marks stated he expects an “virtually non-existent” free agent marketplace for Butler, who turns 36 earlier than subsequent season.
“Amongst groups with projected cap house, solely the rebuilding Nets have greater than $40 million,” Marks wrote. “Butler might choose into his contract within the offseason and ask to be traded, however that may require cooperation from the Warmth.”
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Jake Elman works as a contributing author for Miami Warmth on SI. He will be contacted at [email protected] or observe him onJakeElman97.
