Miami Heat superstar forward Jimmy Butler will likely remain in South Beach. After months of speculation regarding Butler’s future in Miami, he will reportedly not seek a trade this offseason despite not coming to an agreement on a max extension with the Heat.
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ESPN’s Brian Windhorst appeared on the Pat McAfee show and said he expects Butler to be in Maimi next season.
According to Windhorst, “From what I understand Jimmy Butler plans to be back with the Miami Heat next year even if there’s no extension…”
“There’s teams that have definitely asked if he’s looking to get out and he’s said I’m good in Miami,” he added.
“From what I understand Jimmy Butler plans to be back with the Miami Heat next year even if there’s no extension..
There’s teams that have definitely asked if he’s looking to get out and he’s said I’m good in Miami”@WindhorstESPN #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/4vdZQjAbh0
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) June 26, 2024
Butler has a player option for the 2025-2026 season, and he could be in a similar position that superstars James Harden and Paul George are currently in. The ball is in Butler’s court if he wants a big payday identical to what he’s seeking this offseason. If the 34-year-old can remain healthy and efficient to lead Miami into another deep playoff run, it’ll be hard for Pat Riley and the crew to deny him what he wants.
Riley is not thinking about an extension at the moment, as he noted following his team’s first-round exit against the Boston Celtics.
“We don’t have to do that for a year. We have not discussed that internally right now but we have to look at making that kind of commitment.”
Although Riley does not intend to extend Butler this offseason, he also does not intend to trade his star player.
Read More: Jimmy Butler Wants to Finish NBA Career With Miami, Then Play Overseas
Many NBA teams were ready to throw their hat in the Jimmy Butler ring, including the Philadelphia 76ers and Golden State Warriors. Both teams could have made an offer for the six-time All-Star, though it appears that Butler has no intention of leaving Miami behind.
Butler is still among the best players in the NBA, especially when the lights are at their brightest. The five-time All-NBA member will enter his sixth season in Miami, and he will have his running mate and defensive-minded big man Bam Adebayo, who recently signed a three-year, $166 million extension on Tuesday.
The Heat ended their 2024 season in disappointing fashion, but the hope is to have Butler on their side next season to make a run at the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
Uncommon Knowledge
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