There is an enormous heat in Miami as Miami Heat Small Forward Jimmy Butler has not gotten his contract extension with the team. The decision on extending Butler’s contract is crucial, especially considering what the Miami Heat cap situation would be in 2027 if they agree with his terms. Also, will the Heat be ready to let the All-Star player join another team?
Though Jimmy Butler and his agent have made it clear that he would love to extend his time with the Miami Heat, Miami Heat President Pat Riley’s offseason interviews gave some factors that the Heat would consider that could determine Jimmy’s future with the Heat.
What team will Butler be with next season?
Why is Jimmy Butler’s Contract Extension Taking Time?
Since “Playoff Jimmy” played for the Heat, he has missed about 100 games in his five regular seasons either due to injury or rest. Pat Riley noticed this trend of players’ unavailability and questioned Jimmy and other key Miami Heat players’ absences:
“We’ve got a really good group of guys and the number one issue is player availability and having your guys healthy to play every night. And we have to wrap our arms around that notion.”
With this said, Riley demands more playing time from his elite players especially Butler during the regular season. However, the six-time All-Star is known for not being overly active unless it’s the playoffs. That’s why he is called “Playoff Jimmy.” Another obvious factor as presented by Pat Riley, is the fact the club hasn’t spoken with Jimmy about about an extension yet.
“We have not discussed that internally right now. We have to look at making that kind of commitment and when do we do it. We don’t have to do it until 2025, actually. But we’ll see. We haven’t made a decision on it, and we haven’t really in earnest discussed it.”
Also, the club has to evaluate how it affects the franchise’s future in the next two years and beyond, as Jimmy’s new contract demand would mean that he would earn almost $60 million in 2027. Also, this demand could sacrifice the Heat’s cap space not allowing them to to acquire other players to keep him in the future.
Jimmy Butler’s Extension Demands and Outlook
The Heat’s small forward has proven the value he brings to the table since he joined the club five seasons ago. “Playoff Jimmy” has led the Heat to three Eastern Conference Finals and two NBA Finals. Also, in the 2023-24 best-of-seven series, the Heat lost to the Boston Celtics with Jimmy out with an injury that portrays his impact on the team.
Even Riley acknowledges that Butler is an incredible player as he’s the one who “moves the needle the most.” Thus, having established himself as an outstanding all-time Heat player, Butler demands a raise in his next contract for him to remain with the Miami Heat.
Since Jimmy Butler wants to retire in Miami, he is demanding a $113 million two-year contract extension from the Heat, which could be $54.3 million for the 2024-25 season and $58.6 million for the 2025-26 season. Now, if the Heat refuses to grant this, he could demand a trade this offseason. He will be paid$48.8 million next season and has a $52.4 million player option for the 2025-26 season on his existing contract. Either way, the Miami Heat would lose Jimmy Butler to other clubs with better offers.
The NBA Team Willing to Trade With The Miami Heat For Butler
One NBA team in the front of the line to sign Jimmy Butler is the Philadelphia 76ers. The Sixers have a cap size of about $65 million and some draft picks that could offer Jimmy Butler exactly what he needs. Also, Butler is the Sixers’ second option if Paul George decides to extend with the LA Clippers.
Also, the six-time All-Star might be interested in returning to his former team to join Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, forming a “Big Three” of their own in Philadelphia. When the Sixers lost to the Knicks in the first round of their playoff series, Butler was linked to the Sixers. Finally, if the Sixers sign Jimmy it would be a very successful offseason for the team.
About the Author
Wisdom is an email and brand copywriter with two years of content writing experience. He started Cloud Kitchen Concept to help startups and business owners elevate their brands from good to great. You can connect with him on LinkedIn and Instagram to enjoy cooked meals for your business’s growth.
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