Miami Heat Expected to Trade Jimmy Butler
According to NBA insider Howard Beck of The Ringer, the Miami Heat are likely to trade Jimmy Butler. Butler is eligible for a contract extension this offseason, and NBA reporter Anthony Chiang of The Miami Herald reports that he is expected to seek a two-year extension worth approximately $113 million.
However, it appears the Heat are hesitant to meet Butler’s demands.
“Jimmy Butler will be traded,” Beck wrote. “Rival executives have been buzzing about it for months, for all the obvious reasons. Butler is about to turn 35, has a history of injuries, and is seeking a two-year, $113 million extension with one year left on his current contract. Granting this extension would severely limit the Heat’s flexibility to add another star, which they desperately need.
“Credit Butler for leading Miami to two Finals in five seasons. However, a team centered around Butler and Bam Adebayo isn’t enough to compete with the Celtics, Bucks, or Sixers in the East. Pat Riley is known for offloading high-priced players before their performance declines. At this stage, Butler would be more valuable as a secondary or tertiary option on a contender than as the primary star in Miami. This seems like the right time for a change.”
Butler is set to earn $48.8 million next season, with a player option worth $52.4 million for the 2025-26 season.
The Heat were eliminated by the Boston Celtics in the first round of this year’s playoffs in five games, with Butler sidelined due to a knee injury.
A six-time All-Star, Butler averaged 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.3 blocks in 60 games this season, shooting 49.9% from the field, 41.4% from three-point range, and 85.8% from the free-throw line.
Butler’s career averages include 18.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.6 steals, and 0.4 blocks per game, having played for the Chicago Bulls, Minnesota Timberwolves, Philadelphia 76ers, and Miami Heat. He has been named to five All-NBA teams and five All-Defensive teams.
The Philadelphia 76ers are interested in acquiring Butler, who played 55 games for them in the 2018-19 season. According to NBA reporter Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia is prepared to offer Butler a max extension.
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