NBA agent humiliates ESPN insider Shams Charania for spreading ‘made up’ trade rumors about Jimmy Butler
One of ESPN’s most prominent reporters has been accused of fabricating a story.
Following NBA insider Shams Charania’s report that Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler is open to a trade to Dallas, Houston, Golden State or Phoenix, the player’s agent responded by putting the first-year ESPN star online.
“Okay, listen,” Officer Bernie Lee wrote on normally doesn’t do (sic) worth recognizing..
“I don’t know what I’m going to do because I’m a middle-aged dad, but I just know that this would indicate a serious dislike,” Lee continued in a separate post. “World… this is all made up. I have never done that and frankly it would not help me or the position I represent to do anything reported by said ”journalist.”
Lee further joked that Charania’s messages were written by ‘Chat GPT.’
Neither Charania nor ESPN spokespeople immediately responded to DailyMail.com’s request for comment.
Charania reported that Butler is open to trading to Dallas, Houston, Golden State or Phoenix
Bernie Lee (left) has been representing Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler (right) for several years.
Asked about the trade rumors during Wednesday’s practice, Butler seemed unfazed.
“I actually like it,” Butler said. ‘It’s good that it’s being talked about. I don’t think there’s such a thing as bad publicity – to a point.
“But if someone says I’m being traded, that’s a big deal.”
Butler was not offered a max extension this offseason, so the 35-year-old plans to become a free agent this summer.
As a result, trade rumors are swirling around the six-time All-Star.
“I’m fine with it,” Butler said. ‘It doesn’t bother me and I appreciate it. I appreciate going out there and hooping and I appreciate being efficient and effective and helping my team win. I don’t take basketball for granted for anyone.”
There is another rumored destination, and a trade may not happen. The New York Post reports that the Brooklyn Nets are a possible landing spot for Butler in free agency. Butler was previously intrigued by playing in Brooklyn and remains so, a source told the Post.
Butler is still chasing his first NBA title despite leading the Heat to the postseason every year since arriving in Miami in 2019-2020.
Through 17 games this season, the former Marquette star is averaging 19.0 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists. Over 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 on a three-game winning streak.