Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler is keeping things in-house.
The Heat swingman was asked Monday about rumors regarding a possible James Harden move to South Beach. But Butler said those rumors have had “zero” influence on the team's chemistry, per Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel.
Butler also stated the Heat try to tune out the noise.
There are no indications a deal between Miami and the Houston Rockets is close.
Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald previously reported the Heat could have interest in a move for Harden, adding Tyler Herro is not deemed “untouchable.”
However, it would take far more than just Herro to land The Beard. The Rockets would demand enormous draft compensation and probably another top asset — or two — in addition to taking on filler salaries.
Ehtan Skolnick of Five Reasons Sports recently reported the inclusion of Duncan Robinson in a possible trade package is a “major sticking point.”
We can report at Five Reasons Sports — from multiple league sources — that the inclusion of Duncan Robinson is a major sticking point in the pursuit of Rockets guard James Harden.@5ReasonsSports
@ClutchAdamNBA @GregSylvander— Ethan J. Skolnick, 5 Reasons Sports (@EthanJSkolnick) December 18, 2020
Pat Riley is well accustomed to swinging big moves and making the money work, but it appears Miami might be treading lightly here.
Harden is one of the best players in the NBA. But the Heat are fresh off a Finals appearance, during which Herro showed upside as a playmaking combo guard who can score in big moments and fire away from deep. Robinson, meanwhile, is perhaps the best catch-and-shoot player in the league.
The Heat are recognizing the value of their young players. It explains why the team gave Bam Adebayo a max rookie extension rather than preserving max cap space for a possible run at Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Miami might be considering its options when it comes to Harden. But it has no impact on Butler and Co. as the Heat try to compete for a championship.
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