Video: Jimmy Butler Makes Cryptic Lakers Comment at Sparks Game amid NBA Trade Rumors

Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler got the basketball world talking Friday with a comment he made at a WNBA game in Los Angeles.

Butler was interviewed while attending a game between the L.A. Sparks and Dallas Wings, and noted that he has been spending a lot of time in Los Angeles since the Heat’s season came to an end.

He then raised eyebrows by saying, “For some reason, 22 looks good in purple and gold.”

Butler was referencing Sparks rookie forward Cameron Brink, who wears No. 22, but it may not have been a coincidence that he wears No. 22 as well.

The 34-year-old Butler has spent the past five seasons with the Heat after previous stints with the Chicago Bulls, Minnesota Timberwolves and Philadelphia 76ers, and he has enjoyed immense success in Miami.

In addition to earning two All-Star selections with the Heat, Butler has led them to the NBA Finals twice.

The Heat barely reached the playoffs as the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference this season, though, and they fell to the top-seeded Boston Celtics in five games in the first round.

However, it should be noted that Butler missed the entire series due to injury.

Butler’s comments come at a time where his future in Miami has been subject of speculation. Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer previously reported that the Philadelphia 76ers would be willing to give Butler a max contract if he were to force a trade out of South Beach.

Like the Heat, the Los Angeles Lakers were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs this season, although they reached the Western Conference Finals one year earlier with LeBron James and Anthony Davis leading the way.

As LeBron nears the end of his career, the Lakers’ championship window could close at any moment, so there many be a sense of urgency to acquire a third star this offseason.

Butler would perhaps be the ideal fit alongside James and Davis, and since he can become a free agent after the 2024-25 season, it may not be outside the realm of possibility that Miami would consider trading him.