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One of ESPN’s most prominent reporters has been accused of fabricating a story.
Following NBA an 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, gushing online about ESPN’s first annual All-Star.
“Ok listen,” Agent Bernie Lee wrote to X. “Yesterday I gave you a pass 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 usually don’t (sic ) worth my time to admit..
“I don’t know what I’m going to do because I’m a middle-aged dad, but I just know it would mean some serious dislike,” Lee continued in a separate post. “Holy… this is all made up. I have never and frankly it would not help me or the position I represent to do anything that was reported by said “journalist”.
Lee went on to joke that Charania’s posts were written by “Chat GPT”.
Neither spokespeople for Charania nor ESPN immediately responded to DailyMail.com’s request for comment.
Charania reported Butler could be 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 during practice Wednesday, Butler didn’t seem fazed.
“I really like it,” Butler said. “It’s good to talk about you. I don’t think there is such a thing as bad publicity – to an extent.
“But if someone is talking about being traded, that’s a lot.”
Butler did not receive a max extension this offseason, so the 35-year-old plans to become a free agent this summer.
As a result, trade rumors have been swirling around the six-time All-Star.
“Okay,” Butler said. “It doesn’t bother me at all and I appreciate it. I appreciate the fact that I go out and shoot hoops and I appreciate being efficient and being efficient and helping my team win. I never take playing basketball for anyone for granted.
There is one more rumored destination, and it may not involve a trade. 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 2019-20.
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 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.
