The Miami Heat made a great trade choice in acquiring Jimmy Butler. All Miami residents would concur, though, that despite making it to the NBA Finals twice in five seasons, he fell short of his goals for coming to South Beach.
However, Butler will turn 35 before the 2024–25 NBA season begins, and he anticipates accepting the Heat’s offer of a maximum contract extension this summer. Butler may not, at least not from Miami, receive the deal he desires.
Kurt Helin of NBC Sports reports that a number of NBA teams now think Miami is more likely to trade Butler than to sign Butler to a big deal extension.
“Although he probably stays, there are rumours from other teams that Miami may be willing to let Jimmy Butler go rather than extend his contract, in contrast to what Pat Riley stated at his press conference.”
Although Butler’s salary for the upcoming season is currently projected to be $48.7 million, it is anticipated that the five-time All-NBA player would exercise his $52 million player option and become a free agent after that. That is, unless the 12-year-old, six-time All-Star suddenly sees a decline in his play or experiences more durability problems.
Even though Butler has been excellent for Miami, he hasn’t participated in more than 64 games during a regular season since joining the Heat. Additionally, Butler missed 22 games last year, including the entire postseason. In order to complement Bam Adebayo and Butler, they have also been looking for a third star; nevertheless, it’s probable that the Heat consider Butler as their most important trade chip and wish to go elsewhere.
