Photo: Peter Baba

Jimmy Butler has resumed playing for the Miami Heat, but his stance on wanting a trade has only grown stronger. He has reportedly “tripled down” on his trade request, and there has been notable progress in the discussions surrounding his potential departure.

“I’m told the Heat have had some productive conversations on a potential Butler trade this week,” ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania said. “This is a big number to move – $49 million on his contract this year, $52 million player option for the offseason.

“So whatever deal ends up happening, whether it’s just a two-team trade, three-team trade, four-team trade… Really everything is a possibility.”

The player has made it known that he favors a move to the Phoenix Suns, though their ability to execute a trade for him is constrained by limited pathways to making the numbers work.

Butler has played 14 seasons for 4 teams, including the Bulls. He has averaged 18.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists in 838 regular-season games.

He has been selected to play in 6 All-Star games and has won 1 Most Improved Player award.