Q: I know you dismissed a similar question recently, but as the Heat continue to win without the often-injured Jimmy Butler, isn’t it the perfect time to trade him? Surely Pat Riley could get a big upgrade at power forward and possibly a solid backup point guard, too.  – Jeremiah, Pompano Beach.

A: And I will dismiss this, as well, for the same reason. This is the regular season. Jimmy Butler is about the playoffs. When these players do this in the playoffs, then we can begin a debate about moving on. But all the December victories in the world don’t necessarily equate to success in May and June. So why not just enjoy this moment while also appreciating all those Butler moments in May and June? There is no reason that Jimmy Butler couldn’t make this even better.

Q: Erik Spoelstra said all the injured players got work while traveling with the team. So they couldn’t give a minute or two or more if really needed? – Sam.

A: I almost read that as if in a Pat Riley voice, since that sounded like Riley during his coaching years. He’s point being that if you could contribute to even a single play, then get the uniform on and get in there. The reality is that it is December and the regular season and that three of the players held out against the Warriors are in their 30s. This is the new NBA, where every moment is geared toward playoff preparation. And that means getting players fully healed before a return. The troubling factor is that the absences at Golden State came with the Heat having four of the previous five days off. So if not healthy now, then when? That is why it was surprising to see Kyle Lowry as being out due to soreness. This arguably is the Heat’s most healing stretch of the season. The last back-to-back was Dec. 13-14, with the next back-to-back not until Jan. 14-15.

Q: I’m enjoying the Udonis Haslem podcast, but guys need to remember and understand what they say on the mic will come to light on social media. Good, bad, right or wrong. – Douglas.

A: Which is why it is curious how players (and I believe they have the right) often will say what happens in the locker room stays in the locker room, and then they turn around and turn it into their own social-media programming. It will be curious in the wake of the interview with Bam Adebayo to see the direction Udonis Haslem’s podcast takes going forward, particularly since he now also is a member of the team’s front office. The stories are great, as is the inside insight. But I also remember reporting on incidents that happened behind closed doors and players treating such reporting as an invasion of privacy. It would seem that you can’t have it both ways.