Rival clubs believe the Miami Heat are getting ready to part ways with the five-time All-Star after Jimmy Butler’s six seasons there, casting doubt on Butler’s future with the franchise. Butler is asking for a $113 million, two-year deal, but the Heat wouldn’t be able to sign another star if they granted it.
NBA insider Howard claims that Butler would be more useful as a second or third option on a contending team, and Pat Riley has a track record of cutting expensive players before they become unproductive. The Heat have made two Finals trips under Jimmy Butler’s leadership, but their lack of competitiveness has been called into question after their first-round loss to the Celtics.
The Heat are viewed as a division behind Eastern rivals such as the Knicks, 76ers, Bucks, and Celtics. Despite his antics at the Las Vegas Aces game, Butler wants to continue with the Heat; nevertheless, dealing him could be the only option for the franchise to start again.
Although Butler has a high trade value, if the Heat don’t deal him right away, it could never be the same. A seasoned leader like Butler may be worth a substantial trade-off for a team like the Warriors. Butler may be the ace that every club needs, but it’s unclear which ones will be interested in pursuing him.
Former Miami Heat player and current Vice President of Basketball Development Udonis Haslem spoke about the team’s hopes for the next season on ESPN’s First Take. Haslem appeared to announce Jimmy Butler’s return to the Heat when he was questioned about the Eastern Conference.
Haslem’s announcement of Butler’s comeback is noteworthy as the Heat’s success in the upcoming campaign would depend on the star player’s presence. The Heat would be a dangerous club in the Eastern Conference and a real contender for the title under Butler’s leadership.
