Jimmy Butler, the star player for the Miami Heat, is set to return to the court on Wednesday following a recovery from a severe illness. Despite his health being restored, Butler has been noncommittal about his future with the team amid ongoing trade rumors.

“It’s a good question. Who knows? I don’t,” Butler remarked. “But right now, I’m here. So, I’m going to make the most of it. I am going to compete, and I am going to win. And that’s all that I’ve got. It’s a lot of talk. And it is a lot of noise, which I’m cool with. It doesn’t bother me at all.”

His absence from the team has coincided with trade speculations, where ESPN reported Butler’s preference for a trade before the Feb. 6 deadline, with potential destinations including Golden State, Houston, Phoenix, and Dallas. However, Butler declined to confirm any details regarding a trade list.

Butler, who has led the Heat to two NBA Finals in his tenure, is averaging significant stats this season. He commented on the noise of trade talks, suggesting that such speculation can motivate performance.

In response to these rumors, Pat Riley, the Heat’s president, clarified last week that the team does not intend to trade Butler, stating, “All this speculation has become a distraction to the team and is not fair to the players and coaches. Therefore, we will make it clear — we are not trading Jimmy Butler.”

Butler emphasized his desire to play as many games as possible while maintaining a positive attitude, saying, “As long as I’m happy, and right now I’m happy, I’m in a good space.”

Butler’s return and performance are highly anticipated as the Miami Heat look to make an impact as the season progresses.