Miami Heat trade buzz continues to circulate star Jimmy Butler, who loves playing in Miami and doesn’t want to be anywhere but Miami. Will the Heat make good on his wishes?
Miami Heat Trade Buzz Around Star Player Continues To Build
Extension And Trade Buzz Circulate Jimmy Butler
The future status of All-Star wing Jimmy Butler is one of the drivers amidst the NBA and Miami Heat trade rumors, keeping fans and teams on their toes. Butler has been with the Heat organization since 2020 and is eligible for an extension this summer. He is reportedly seeking two more years and upwards of roughly $112 million.
Since his arrival, Butler has established himself as the emotional and vocal leader of the Heat, not to mention their best player. However, it remains unclear if Pat Riley will award Butler the extension and money he wants. Trade rumors have pegged the Philadelphia 76ers as the loudest trade partner if Butler were to get traded. However, the Golden State Warriors have recently been added to the list of teams interested.
Why Miami Could Be Hesitant In Extending Butler
For all of the grit, leadership, and toughness Butler has brought to Miami, the 34-year-old veteran wing has been stifled with injuries. His most recent injury came in Miami’s play-in match against the 76ers in April—he sprained his MCL. He subsequently missed all of Miami’s first-round games against the Boston Celtics whom they fell to in five games.
There was no bowing out for Butler, though. After the injury, he stayed on the floor and kept the Heat in it until the end. That type of leadership and effort are traits that Pat Riley expects from his players. However, this latest injury added to the pattern flow of Butler’s last two seasons. Riley has recently been adamant that he wants Butler on the floor, and he wasn’t this time around. Butler’s injury history may determine whether he receives his extension and why the trade buzz surrounding the Miami Heat star continues to reap rumors.
Why Miami Should Award Butler An Extension
He’s the blood and guts of Heat culture—it’s as simple as that. Butler is the alpha dog and the vocal and emotional leader on the floor and in the locker room. Apart from recently retired 20-year veteran Udonis Haslem, one could argue that Butler has led the way in Heat culture the most out of all of their past players.
Apart from the injuries, Butler’s fit in Maimi has been otherwise perfect. Since he arrived, Miami has been to the 2020 and 2o23 NBA Finals and reached the 2022 Eastern Conference Finals. Much of their playoff success has been a result of playoff Jimmy. Come the post-season, Butler’s innate ability to turn on a switch and take his game to another level has been on display countless times. He’s one of the best leaders in the NBA and has proved it.
Butler Has Made His Wishes Known
Many players love the city they play in, yet they find themselves playing elsewhere at a certain point in their careers. Butler is clear: He loves Miami. NBA Insider Shams Charania recently reported that Butler is more content with signing an extension with Miami and doesn’t want to be anywhere else.
“My sense is Jimmy Butler does not want to be anywhere but Miami,” Charania said on the Pat McAfee Show. “Sense is that he loves it in Miami.”
Miami does not want to trade Butler. However, other NBA teams will give him what he wants if it comes to that. At that point, Jimmy Butler will be sporting new colors next season.
