Jimmy Butler’s Agent Attacks Reporter On X, Denies Suns Trade Rumors

Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler‘s agent, Bernie Lee, took to social media to emphatically deny a report by The Athletic‘s Shams Charania. The NBA’s go-to insider mentioned Lee by name in a report, claiming that the agent and Butler were open to trade talks with the Phoenix Suns.

“Alright, listen. 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 aren’t worth my time to acknowledge,” Lee wrote to Charania on X. “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. 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 accuse Charania of using artificial intelligence to write his tweets for him in the tirade, refuting the report while also attacking Charania as a reporter. The Athletic reporter responded to Lee’s comments on ESPN Thursday.

“I 1000% stand by my reporting,” Charania said. “It’s fully vetted. And as a professional, that’s what I do, that’s what I get paid to do … report truthfully and accurately. That’s what this is. Period.”

Butler, who has been at the center of trade talks for some time, has been rumored to be departing Miami for a countless number of teams. Once expected to be targeted by the Rockets, the Warriors have emerged as the new rumored buyer. 

The Suns, who already lack depth with a top-heavy, do not figure as a likely landing spot, but Charania claims to have sources to confirm the rumor. By using Lee’s name directly, however, Charania does lose some credibility now that the agent has publicly and angrily spoken out against it. Charania’s original report on X is now accompanied by a community note, clarifying that Lee disputes the claims.