One of ESPN’s most prominent reporters is being accused of fabricating a story.
Following NBA insider Shams Charania’s report that Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler is open to being traded to Dallas, Houston, Golden State or Phoenix, the player’s agent responded by blasting the first-year ESPN star online.
‘Alright listen,’ agent Bernie Lee wrote on X. ‘I gave you a pass yesterday because I was busy but if you don’t stop putting my name on your complete and utter made up bulls*** because you know you normally arent (sic) worth my time to acknowledge..
‘I don’t know what I’m going to do because I’m a middle aged dad but just know it would indicate severe dislike,’ Lee continued in a separate post. ‘ World… all this is fabricated. I have never and honestly it wouldn’t help me or the position I represent to do anything that’s been reported by said ”journalist.”’
Lee went on to joke that Charania’s posts are written by ‘Chat GPT.’
Neither Charania nor ESPN spokespeople immediately responded to DailyMail.com’s request for comment.
Charania reported Butler is open to being traded to Dallas, Houston, Golden State or Phoenix
Bernie Lee (left) has represented Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler (right) for several years
Asked about the trade rumors at Wednesday’s practice, Butler seemed unfazed.
‘I actually like it,’ Butler said. ‘It’s good to be talked about. I don’t think there’s such a thing as bad publicity – to a point.
‘But if somebody is talking about me getting traded, that’s a lot.’
Butler did not receive a max-extension offer this offseason, so the 35-year-old plans on becoming a free agent this summer.
As a consequence, trade rumors have been swirling around the six-time All-Star.
‘It’s fine with me,’ Butler said. ‘It doesn’t bother me one bit and I do appreciate it. I appreciate going out there and hooping and I appreciate being efficient, being effective and helping my team win. I don’t ever take playing basketball for anybody for granted.’
There is another rumored destination, and it may not involve a trade. The New York Post is reporting that the Brooklyn Nets are a possible landing spot for Butler in free agency. Butler has previously been intrigued by playing in Brooklyn, and that remains the case, a source told the Post.
Butler is still chasing his first NBA title despite guiding the Heat to the postseason every year since arriving in Miami in 2019-20.
Over 17 games this season, the former Marquette star is averaging 19.0 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists. For his career, Butler has averaged 18.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists in 831 career games with the Chicago Bulls, Minnesota Timberwolves, Philadelphia 76ers and Heat.
Miami is currently 12-10 and riding a three-game winning streak.
