2026 NBA Season

[LogitechMouse]

Miami Heat has already released statement about Jimmy Butler on trade rumors. Here is the statement from the Miami Heat x Pat Riley:

Statement from Pat Riley

"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. Therefore, we will make it clear - We are not trading Jimmy Butler."

Reading the comment from that post, they still believe that Jimmy Butler will be traded. Lol, just in case that happens, I want to see Jimmy Butler playing in Charlotte. The question is, what is the chance of that will going to happen.

I don't know if I would believe anything that Pat Riley has to say.  He seems like he would only make a statement to manipulate the situation.  Still, everyone seems to say Jimmy isn't going anywhere so we'll see.  I think where there's smoke there is fire and Jimmy is probably worried about his reputation and doesn't want to be looked at like LeBron for leaving Cleveland.  It seems obvious that Jimmy wants out though.  Even if he does stick around to finish the season, I'm guessing he starts next year in a new uniform.

I agree with you. I believe Butler really wanted to be out of Miami as well already because maybe he doesn't see Miami as a title contender this season and that's the reason why he prefers being traded to a "WIN-NOW" team. I've seen a comment on that post on Facebook saying, "That means, they're trading him." which is hilarious especially in the NBA where a trade can just happen at a time where we aren't expecting for it to happen.

If he will not get traded this trade deadline, I'm pretty sure he will opt out on his final year of his contract and will be a free agent, or maybe the Heat will go to a sign-and-trade deal in the off-season. Whatever the case is, he will be traded either this regular season, or next season.

[Webetcoins]

The game was an incredible one to watch, I just watched highlights and not the full game, but even the highlights looked incredible without a doubt. The last shot that Curry had? Like he shot that from all the way back, it's really insane, both last three pointers he had were incredible without a doubt.

Lakers managed to get Reaves into the play when Lebron couldn't and that was not what Warriors expected, the whole team expected Lebron to take the shot, which left Reaves one on one and helped him score the last bucket. It was definitely an incredible game, and even more incredible is the fact that Curry and Lebron are still providing such a great entertainment at their age. They have been at the top of the game for so long, Lebron even more so of course, nearly two decades now, that's insane, but also Curry has been prominent in NBA and even future of kids, for over a decade now. We are seeing people like Wemby, who are 15 feet tall lol, and still shooting threes at a good rate thanks to Curry.

[Natalim]

If he will not get traded this trade deadline, I'm pretty sure he will opt out on his final year of his contract and will be a free agent, or maybe the Heat will go to a sign-and-trade deal in the off-season. Whatever the case is, he will be traded either this regular season, or next season.

But those are just rumors, did Butler really ask for a trade? If he did, then you might be right. However, if he’s not giving 100% like before, it could be because he’s no longer inspired or invested in the team.

When a player doesn’t like where they are, they often just go through the motions, contributing the bare minimum while ensuring they avoid injury to maintain their trade value. If that’s the case, it could explain his recent performances.

[Yaunfitda]

If he will not get traded this trade deadline, I'm pretty sure he will opt out on his final year of his contract and will be a free agent, or maybe the Heat will go to a sign-and-trade deal in the off-season. Whatever the case is, he will be traded either this regular season, or next season.

But those are just rumors, did Butler really ask for a trade? If he did, then you might be right. However, if he’s not giving 100% like before, it could be because he’s no longer inspired or invested in the team.

There is no request as far as I know, and he try to quash the rumor. However, sources are legit that's why there is a noise about it. And even Pat Riley has step up and says that it's not true. But it's hard to dismissed as we have seen that the Heat is struggling this season so it's really concerning, so maybe he is considering a trade.

When a player doesn’t like where they are, they often just go through the motions, contributing the bare minimum while ensuring they avoid injury to maintain their trade value. If that’s the case, it could explain his recent performances.

That's what I'm trying to say, we've seen his performance although he rises to the occasion during playoff and last year they had a incredible run although he got injured. So there's a lot of if on Jimmy right now if he still wants to be a Heat for the rest of his career or chase other teams like the Warriors, with Kuminga in talks for a trade.

[arwin100]

If he will not get traded this trade deadline, I'm pretty sure he will opt out on his final year of his contract and will be a free agent, or maybe the Heat will go to a sign-and-trade deal in the off-season. Whatever the case is, he will be traded either this regular season, or next season.

But those are just rumors, did Butler really ask for a trade? If he did, then you might be right. However, if he’s not giving 100% like before, it could be because he’s no longer inspired or invested in the team.

When a player doesn’t like where they are, they often just go through the motions, contributing the bare minimum while ensuring they avoid injury to maintain their trade value. If that’s the case, it could explain his recent performances.

There's a rumor spreading about that but the Heat management is clearly stating that they are not trading Butler check this https://www.wptv.com/sports/basketball/heat/pat-riley-says-the-miami-heat-will-not-trade-jimmy-butler

Maybe he's not really happy but that doesn't mean he want to be traded on other team. Miami still seeing Butler as valuable player so provably they will work things out to sort some issues and make everyone happy. So lets see if there's big movement that will happen on Heat this season.

[TravelMug]

If he will not get traded this trade deadline, I'm pretty sure he will opt out on his final year of his contract and will be a free agent, or maybe the Heat will go to a sign-and-trade deal in the off-season. Whatever the case is, he will be traded either this regular season, or next season.

But those are just rumors, did Butler really ask for a trade? If he did, then you might be right. However, if he’s not giving 100% like before, it could be because he’s no longer inspired or invested in the team.

When a player doesn’t like where they are, they often just go through the motions, contributing the bare minimum while ensuring they avoid injury to maintain their trade value. If that’s the case, it could explain his recent performances.

There's a rumor spreading about that but the Heat management is clearly stating that they are not trading Butler check this https://www.wptv.com/sports/basketball/heat/pat-riley-says-the-miami-heat-will-not-trade-jimmy-butler

Maybe he's not really happy but that doesn't mean he want to be traded on other team. Miami still seeing Butler as valuable player so provably they will work things out to sort some issues and make everyone happy. So lets see if there's big movement that will happen on Heat this season.

The news though came from Shams himself:

https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1871948946345689131

Six-time NBA All-Star Jimmy Butler prefers a trade out of Miami ahead of the Feb. 6 deadline, league sources told ESPN.

So we really don't know who is telling the truth right now. The deadline is in February and usually days or even hours before the deadline itself, there are a lot of close trades that will really surprise us. So everything is possible from now up to the trade deadline.

Not just Butler but there could be big names as well.

[danherbias07]

When a player doesn’t like where they are, they often just go through the motions, contributing the bare minimum while ensuring they avoid injury to maintain their trade value. If that’s the case, it could explain his recent performances.

That's what I'm trying to say, we've seen his performance although he rises to the occasion during playoff and last year they had a incredible run although he got injured. So there's a lot of if on Jimmy right now if he still wants to be a Heat for the rest of his career or chase other teams like the Warriors, with Kuminga in talks for a trade.

I don't think it's up to him. It's the Miami Heat that will decide last. They didn't give him the extension for a reason and one of them is not acquiring a good player during the trade season and even until now. They missed a lot of opportunities so they are back to square one. It's either they will rebuild and let Jimmy Butler go to acquire a lengthy salary cap or they could still sacrifice one more year with him and try to pair him with someone else before the trade deadline.

Anyway, that Christmas special by the Warriors versus the Lakers was definitely classic.

NBA delivers most-watched Christmas Day in 5 years
NBA Christmas Day viewership increases 84% vs. last year, averaging 5.25 million viewers per game in the U.S.

The Los Angeles Lakers’ 115-113 victory over the Golden State Warriors – which featured a thrilling duel between LeBron James and Stephen Curry – led the way averaging 7.76 million viewers and peaking with 8.32 million viewers at 10:30 p.m. ET.  It was the most-watched NBA regular season and Christmas Day game in five years and up 499% vs. the comparable window last year.

https://www.nba.com/news/nba-christmas-day-2024-most-watched-five-years
It was damn awesome and I really wish more games were like this although I prefer the Warriors to win that match.

[dezoel]

Curry hit some insane back-to-back shots to tie the game, but unfortunately, the Warriors couldn’t hold their defense and allowed Reaves to make the game-winning layup. I was really hoping the game would go to overtime as that was the only way the Warriors could cover the spread.

Even with AD unable to return, the Lakers still managed to beat the Warriors on their home court. This Warriors team just isn’t the same anymore. I keep promising not to back them, but somehow, I always end up breaking that promise. It’s frustrating!

That back-to-back basket excite the fans but unfortunately Reaves manage to made that layup and win the game, it's something that for sure those who back them expecting that they will play good at home all are dissapointed, especially that they are playing against AD-less Lakers, it was the determination of all Lakers players who gives them the win, LeBron leads them in scoring but Austin got his triple-double and that winning last shot that gives them the win.

When I saw him suited up, like actually got in the game and all, I assumed he was better, usually teams wait until players are fully healthy before they test out players, was a weird feeling to see AD but also not see him, he just got in and got out. In any case, the game was definitely insane, definitely had incredible fun without a doubt and I believe that has to be the most important thing.

I can see why people think the other way around when they watch Warriors and Lakers, but reality is Warriors are quite good, maybe even better than Lakers, but when you check how Lakers beat Warriors even without AD, they think Warriors are much worse. The only issue Warriors have right now that their defensive scheme, which was amazing so far, hasn't worked out recently, and the moment they get used to it and start doing better I am sure that we are going to see them win plenty of games. Curry is still good, great even, those shots were otherwordly and amazing.

[Eternad]

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There's a rumor spreading about that but the Heat management is clearly stating that they are not trading Butler check this https://www.wptv.com/sports/basketball/heat/pat-riley-says-the-miami-heat-will-not-trade-jimmy-butler

Maybe he's not really happy but that doesn't mean he want to be traded on other team. Miami still seeing Butler as valuable player so provably they will work things out to sort some issues and make everyone happy. So lets see if there's big movement that will happen on Heat this season.

Realistically speaking, Butler is not a super all star caliber anymore compared before while asking for a trade while he is the main star on his current team is useless since most the NBA teams especially the team with higher playoffs chance already have their own young star which means trading Butler will make him sideline player worst his career becomes down.

Butler has good career run on Miami since it’s a team that rely on team work due to their brilliant coach.

I wonder what will be the other team willing to risk just acquire Butler on a trade.Same with Paul George, it’s not really worth it to give up young talents in exchange to old star player.

[Questat]

Butler has good career run on Miami since it’s a team that rely on team work due to their brilliant coach.

I wonder what will be the other team willing to risk just acquire Butler on a trade.Same with Paul George, it’s not really worth it to give up young talents in exchange to old star player.

If he doesn’t want to play there anymore, trades are bound to happen. Maybe he was happy at first, but over time, frustration kicked in especially after getting so close to winning the NBA Finals and falling short.

Miami is a great team, no question about that,  but they’re not quite a championship-level team. Jimmy Butler might be eyeing a trade to a true contender. There are even rumors that the Warriors are interested in him, possibly offering their young players in exchange. Whether that deal happens or not remains to be seen, but it’s definitely an interesting possibility.

[Joca97]

If he will not get traded this trade deadline, I'm pretty sure he will opt out on his final year of his contract and will be a free agent, or maybe the Heat will go to a sign-and-trade deal in the off-season. Whatever the case is, he will be traded either this regular season, or next season.

But those are just rumors, did Butler really ask for a trade? If he did, then you might be right. However, if he’s not giving 100% like before, it could be because he’s no longer inspired or invested in the team.

When a player doesn’t like where they are, they often just go through the motions, contributing the bare minimum while ensuring they avoid injury to maintain their trade value. If that’s the case, it could explain his recent performances.

There's a rumor spreading about that but the Heat management is clearly stating that they are not trading Butler check this https://www.wptv.com/sports/basketball/heat/pat-riley-says-the-miami-heat-will-not-trade-jimmy-butler

Maybe he's not really happy but that doesn't mean he want to be traded on other team. Miami still seeing Butler as valuable player so provably they will work things out to sort some issues and make everyone happy. So lets see if there's big movement that will happen on Heat this season.

If Miami trades Butler it will be a really bad decision and the club will go into few bad seasons because they will be losing their superstar and i doubt that they will get a superstar in return. If Butler leaves they wont be playoff team anymore for sure. So they should try their best to keep him and get him even more backup to make an even better team. But if he asked for a trade he probobly isnt happy in Miami so all outcomes are possible still here

[Russlenat]

If Miami trades Butler it will be a really bad decision and the club will go into few bad seasons because they will be losing their superstar and i doubt that they will get a superstar in return. If Butler leaves they wont be playoff team anymore for sure. So they should try their best to keep him and get him even more backup to make an even better team. But if he asked for a trade he probobly isnt happy in Miami so all outcomes are possible still here

I think Miami has made it to the playoffs before, even when Butler was injured, which shows they already have a solid system in place. That’s likely why they’ve been successful. However, since Butler is their main star, trading him would require getting someone of superstar caliber in return. Without Butler, I don’t see anyone on their current roster who is skilled and consistent enough to carry the team to the same level of success.

Maybe we should just wait and see how this rumor develops, but I’m confident it won’t be Miami’s loss in the end.

[tygeade]

When a player doesn’t like where they are, they often just go through the motions, contributing the bare minimum while ensuring they avoid injury to maintain their trade value. If that’s the case, it could explain his recent performances.

That's what I'm trying to say, we've seen his performance although he rises to the occasion during playoff and last year they had a incredible run although he got injured. So there's a lot of if on Jimmy right now if he still wants to be a Heat for the rest of his career or chase other teams like the Warriors, with Kuminga in talks for a trade.

I don't think it's up to him. It's the Miami Heat that will decide last. They didn't give him the extension for a reason and one of them is not acquiring a good player during the trade season and even until now. They missed a lot of opportunities so they are back to square one. It's either they will rebuild and let Jimmy Butler go to acquire a lengthy salary cap or they could still sacrifice one more year with him and try to pair him with someone else before the trade deadline.

I mean if Pat Riley said that they are not trading him, then the yare not trading him, end of story. That doesn't mean Butler doesn't want to move, maybe he does want to go to another team, but if Miami wants to keep him, they have their right to do that.

Players could force hands in that type of situation, like act as if injured and such, like how AD did to go to Lakers, and such, but Butler doesn't look like that kind of player, he will probably just be more aggressive around the locker room and try to beat everyone and act as the leader, and create chaos, so that thee team would want to trade him to keep the harmony of the team. But Miami is a proper team team, what I mean is that they are not some individuals put together, they are one as a whole, so I think this period will pass.

[OgNasty]

A good game tonight as the Dallas Mavericks face off against the Phoenix Suns. The Devon Booker and Luka Doncic rivalry is one of my favorites in the NBA at the moment. They genuinely hate each other and it shows every time they play. Booker has been getting the best of Luka since getting Durant on his side, but Luka always does the Suns dirty.

[yahoo62278]

A good game tonight as the Dallas Mavericks face off against the Phoenix Suns. The Devon Booker and Luka Doncic rivalry is one of my favorites in the NBA at the moment. They genuinely hate each other and it shows every time they play. Booker has been getting the best of Luka since getting Durant on his side, but Luka always does the Suns dirty.

Pretty sure you might wanna take a look at the injury report. If you did, you would see that the Booker/Doncic rivalry doesn't mean anything tonight. Luka is out with a calf injury until the beginning of February. Game might still be a decent watch, but no fireworks between the 2 players you mentioned will happen.

[ingiltere]

A good game tonight as the Dallas Mavericks face off against the Phoenix Suns. The Devon Booker and Luka Doncic rivalry is one of my favorites in the NBA at the moment. They genuinely hate each other and it shows every time they play. Booker has been getting the best of Luka since getting Durant on his side, but Luka always does the Suns dirty.

Suns vs. Mavs will be Durant vs. Irving matchup rather than Booker vs. Dončić. Dončić is out for at least a month. Booker is also officially out for this game. The Suns won the last game despite Booker's poor play. It's very unlikely that Mavs will win this game without Dončić. However, you can bet on Kyrie to score 30+ points in individual bets. It could be a game similar to their last game against the Timberwolves, which Kyrie scored 39.

[batang_bitcoin]

A good game tonight as the Dallas Mavericks face off against the Phoenix Suns. The Devon Booker and Luka Doncic rivalry is one of my favorites in the NBA at the moment. They genuinely hate each other and it shows every time they play. Booker has been getting the best of Luka since getting Durant on his side, but Luka always does the Suns dirty.

And this was when the smiley Luka meme born. LOL

I think Miami has made it to the playoffs before, even when Butler was injured, which shows they already have a solid system in place. That’s likely why they’ve been successful. However, since Butler is their main star, trading him would require getting someone of superstar caliber in return. Without Butler, I don’t see anyone on their current roster who is skilled and consistent enough to carry the team to the same level of success.

Maybe we should just wait and see how this rumor develops, but I’m confident it won’t be Miami’s loss in the end.

Butler is one good piece of the Heat but I think that they'd hate it if Jimmy will be injured once again with their crucial games. I remember when Herro was out for several games during the playoffs but they still able to do some good games reaching that place. So, I think that this decision of them trading Jimmy for some first picks and another star would be a mistake.

[OgNasty]

A good game tonight as the Dallas Mavericks face off against the Phoenix Suns. The Devon Booker and Luka Doncic rivalry is one of my favorites in the NBA at the moment. They genuinely hate each other and it shows every time they play. Booker has been getting the best of Luka since getting Durant on his side, but Luka always does the Suns dirty.

Suns vs. Mavs will be Durant vs. Irving matchup rather than Booker vs. Dončić. Dončić is out for at least a month. Booker is also officially out for this game. The Suns won the last game despite Booker's poor play. It's very unlikely that Mavs will win this game without Dončić. However, you can bet on Kyrie to score 30+ points in individual bets. It could be a game similar to their last game against the Timberwolves, which Kyrie scored 39.

Oh wow.  Good to know.  I don't think that changes my opinion of who wins the game though.  If anything, Booker for Doncic being out is a good trade off for the Suns.  I don't think Dallas can do much without their cornerstone piece.  We'll see, but Durant > Kyrie if you ask me.  I say the Suns win and Booker smiles across the court at Doncic, if Luka even bothers to travel for this game, which I wouldn't blame him if he didn't want to.

[dwyane36]

If he doesn’t want to play there anymore, trades are bound to happen.

What's the point of Heat management trading Butler in the middle of the regular season? I mean, Butler's current contract expires after the 25/26 season, and the last season of his contract is a player option. So even if he really doesn't want to play for the Heat anymore, he can waive the player option and become a free agent as early as next offseason.

[Baofeng]

I just saw this news, Sacramento Kings fire coach Mike Brown after disappointing 13–18 start.

The Sacramento Kings fired head coach Mike Brown, ESPN's Shams Charania reported Friday.

Sacramento is currently on a five-game losing streak and has lost 12 of its last 17 games. At 13–18, the Kings are last in the Pacific Division and ranked 12th in the Western Conference.

Assistant coach Doug Christie will be named the interim coach, according to multiple reports. The team resumes its season on Saturday versus the Los Angeles Lakers.

It was just like two seasons ago that there are a lot of promises on the Kings specially on how they put up wins during that time. And we even thought that they will be one of the best team in the West with Fox and their coach Mike Brown who bring a lot in the table as he is a former assistant coach of the Golden State Warriors.

So he had experience and it did shows during his first year with the Kings. But it seems they were not able to follow up from that momentum and so last year was also a disappointing season for them. And now starting with getting DeMar DeRozan but it's not enough as they are in losing skid and so the first one to get the blame is obviously the coach.