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[Saba Sports News] If you’re hoping to get some comments from Erik Spoelstra about the Jimmy Butler trade situation, you’ll be disappointed.
Speaking with the media on Saturday ahead of the Miami Heat’s game against the Utah Jazz, the two-time NBA champion coach made it clear that he wouldn’t be discussing the Butler situation.
“We’re just going to focus on tonight. I want to quiet all the distractions; enough has been said. We have clarity and we’re just going to focus on this group in the locker room. That’s what I want them to focus on and quiet the noise as much as possible. I’m not a clickbait type of coach, so you’re not going to get anything else really from me. We have a task to do. The guys are excited about this game coming off a tough game the other night. You have to deal with a lot of different things in this association and it’s Saturday night. I’m looking forward to this game,” Spoelstra said, according to The Miami Herald’s Anthony Chiang.
Spoelstra’s comments came two days after Butler requested a trade from the Heat. The team responded on Friday by announcing they would entertain trade offers. They also suspended Butler for seven games for conduct detrimental to the team.
The Heat, who entered Saturday with a 17-15 record, had expected to contend for a championship this season. Unfortunately, Butler’s actions and trade request have disrupted those plans.
Butler has been with the Heat since the 2019-2020 season. Since his arrival, the team has made the playoffs every year, reaching the conference finals three times and the NBA Finals twice, although they have not secured a championship.
Miami’s chances of making a deep playoff run will diminish without Butler, but Spoelstra remains focused on the season ahead.