Jimmy Butler on Shakira Dating Rumors: “Just Because People Hang Out Doesn’t Mean Anybody’s Dating”

Jimmy Butler is clearing the air about his rumored relationship with newly appointed Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award recipient Shakira. 

Butler recently sat down with Rolling Stone for a lengthy chat, which was published on Monday. According to the Miami Heat star, he and the “Hips Don’t Lie” vocalist are just pals who connected over living in the same city. 

“Just because we are friends, she lives in Miami, and her sons are big basketball fans — that doesn’t mean anybody’s dating. Just because people hang out doesn’t mean anybody’s dating. But it gives everybody something to talk about, so y’all take it, and y’all run with it. She’s very, very cool, and that’s all I got!” Butler explained. 

The rumors of a blossoming relationship arose in July. The two were spotted dining at the Novikov Restaurant & Bar in London. Butler’s security staff was pictured accompanying Shakira to her driver and vehicle. Since her breakup with longtime partner, Spanish soccer star Gerard Piqué, in July 2022, Shakira has also been linked to professional car racer Lewis Hamilton. Shakira has remained mum on her dating life, though people close to her told The Messenger that she was simply playing the field since splitting from Piqué.

Butler has reportedly been in a relationship with lowkey girlfriend Kaitlin Nowak since at least 2019. Therefore, his association with Shakira could very well be strictly platonic. Regardless, Butler is not in the business of revealing too much about his personal life. Instead, he is busy going viral for his on-court performance and eccentric hairstyles, this month opting for a silk press just in time for the Fall season. 

We wonder what Shakira had to say about her buddy’s new do.