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Jimmy Butler's reported desire for a trade from the Miami Heat may stem from failed contract negotiations last offseason.
The Athletic's Anthony Slater, Marcus Thompson II and Sam Amick reported Saturday that the Heat's failure to grant Butler the max extension he wanted is "the root" of his rift with the team.
Butler currently has a $52.4 million player option for next season. He will be seeking to replace that with a "highly-priced extension" wherever he goes, according to Slater, Thompson and Amick.
After recording nine points against the Pacers on Thursday night, Butler told reporters he didn't think he could be happy in Miami.