There is no doubt that Jimmy Butler is the Heat’s best player since Dwyane Wade left, despite the rise of Bam Adebayo and the fact that he hasn’t won anything yet.
Butler arrived in Miami in the summer of 2019 and has been performing at an outstanding level over the past five years.
He led the Heat to three conference finals and two NBA Finals where he averaged 21.3 points per game in those five regular seasons.
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With this background, the six-time All-Star was hoping his team would offer him a contract extension this summer. But when they did not, he decided to go on the offensive.
The Miami forward intends to fulfill the last season of his contract (2024-2025) for $48.8 million and opt out of the following season (2025-2026) where he has the player option.
This would mean he would give up $52.4 million to sign up for free agency in search of a more lucrative contract.
Butler turns 35 on September 14 and injuries have taken their toll on his humanity. He has only played in 73 percent of the games in the three seasons, which seems to have weighed more than his performances.
“That’s the truth. We have to consider making that kind of commitment and when we will do it. We don’t actually have to do it until 2025, but we will see.”
However, Jimmy is the Heat’s natural leader and one of the NBA’s best players on both sides of the court. His defense is elite and his offense is among the best, making him virtually unstoppable in key moments of the game.
If anyone represents the Heat’s DNA, its culture, or its identity, it is Butler and if Miami has not gone further it is because they have left it quite alone.
Although he has received some help from Adebayo and Tyler Herro, it has not been enough to reach the NBA’s ceiling, and he has had a rather dysfunctional team on many occasions.
It’s no secret that the Heat lack a consistent shooter to truly help Butler, but summer after summer fans are saddened to see that shooter not appear.
Every season, the Capital of the Sun quintet tries to make up for this lack with more intensity, ignoring that this may be the reason why so many injuries occur.
However, next season is expected to be Butler’s best as he needs to show his full worth and it is not surprising that he breaks his scoring, rebounding, assists, and steals records.
You’ll likely see a different, more individual, more lethal player seeking a max contract extension as a free agent.
Butler’s problem is that there is no contending team that can offer him the max unless the Heat step in with a sign-and-trade.
Of the non-contenders, only the Brooklyn Nets and the Houston Rockets could give it to him, provided they are willing to make other changes.
The Heat and Butler may sit down to negotiate a new contract, but Jimmy is still expected to put in a great performance this season, which would make Miami a serious title contender.
As things stand, there will be no talks between the two sides. It will all depend on what Riley sees this season especially if he is healthy.
