Lithuania’s protest of double-OT loss rejected

Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat may not come to terms on a long-term contract, but there is “a growing consensus” that he will likely remain with the franchise past the deadline unless he becomes a distract. Butler has a fairly narrow trade market considering his age, impending free agent status and the more restrictive trade market with the new collective bargaining agreement.

Butler can sign an extension with the Heat worth up to $112.6 million over two seasons. Butler has a $52.4 million player option for 25-26.

“Miami has to do what is best for them, not what is in the best interest for Butler,” a Western Conference executive told ESPN in Orlando.