- Jimmy Butler looks set to remain in Miami for this season
- Miami have not received any ‘palatable offers’ for the six-time All-Star
- Butler is believed to have fallen out with Heat president Pat Riley
Jimmy Butler is expected to rejoin the Miami Heat, with a move away from Florida looking unlikely despite the six-time NBA All-Star’s feud with team president Pat Riley.
Butler, who is currently serving a seven-game suspension for “conduct detrimental to the team” after publicly declaring his wish to be traded away from Miami, will not be finishing up the season elsewhere as the Heat, so far, have not received a suitable trade offer for the Olympic gold medalist.
According to Barry Jackson and Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald, a suitable trade offer has not been forthcoming for Butler, so when his suspension ends following the January 15 game against the Lakers, the 35-year-old will be rejoining the team.
Butler, who starred in recent Netflix series ‘Starting 5’ has a $52.4m player option next season, but is expected to opt out of that and seek employment elsewhere. The report in the Herald claims that the Heat knew this would be the former Chicago Bulls star’s intention but decided against trading him this past summer. Butler had been eligible for a $113m, two-year extension in the summer but the Heat decided against offering it to him.
Sam Amick of the Athletic has confirmed that the Heat will entertain offers for Butler up until the impending trade deadline, although at the moment, the expectation is that the forward will see out this season in Miami.
Issues between Butler and Heat president Riley arose in the 23/24 postseason after Butler claimed the Knicks and the Celtics would have been sitting at home rather than advancing in the playoffs if he hadn’t been injured. Riley responded to Butler’s statement by saying, “For him to say that, I thought, ‘is that Jimmy trolling? Or is that Jimmy serious?’ If you’re not on the court playing against Boston, or on the court playing against the New York Knicks, you should keep your mouth shut.”
The Golden State Warriors, Phoenix Suns and Houston Rockets have all been credited with an interest in Butler, who has helped Miami reach two NBA Championship finals during his spell in the sunshine state. Given that Riley has seen off the likes of Shaquille O’Neill, LeBron James and Dywane Wade during his time in charge at Miami, it’s unlikely Butler will get the better of ‘The Godfather’ while remaining with the franchise.
Following a Christmastime shootaround in Orlando last month, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said of the situation, via ESPN, “You have to compartmentalize in this business. We want Jimmy here. There’s no ifs, ands or buts about it. And it’s just unfortunate that you have to control or deal with a lot of the noise on the outside.”
Butler is currently averaging 18.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 4.9 assists this season. One last major push with the Heat could end up being the best outcome for everybody. The Heat make the playoffs, Butler proves his value to potential suitors and everyone goes their seperate ways after a successful season. Or even more drama unfolds in Miami. Who knows?
