The Associated Press’ Tim Reynolds reported Sunday afternoon that impending free agent will tell Miami Heat officials that he “wishes to play” for the team.

Not that this is a surprise - or means anything - but Jimmy Butler is expected to tell Miami officials tonight that he wishes to play for the Heat, per source. — Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) June 30, 2019

Butler himself also referenced the rumors about his interest in Miami when he responded to former NFL star Chad Johnson on Twitter.

ASAP after I get a contract done.. you’ll be the first I call. I want the footrace first tho. Slow ass. https://t.co/kdSlQTpBaI — Jimmy Butler (@JimmyButler) June 30, 2019

Free agency is set to begin at 6 p.m. ET. Butler will meet with Heat officials this evening, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

Will Riley find a way to facilitate a sign-and-trade to get Butler in a Miami uniform, something that didn’t happen in October 2018? Would Miami have to surrender some of their young, talented players — Justise Winslow, Josh Richardson and Bam Adebayo — to convince the Philadelphia 76ers to make the trade?

We’ll see what happens.