Are the Miami Heat about to enter a new era without their superstar from the last half-decade?
Jimmy Butler has been with Miami since 2019, but it’s possible that his time in a Heat jersey will come to an end this season via trade.
It’s difficult to say whether such a deal will come as a result of Butler requesting out or Miami actively pushing him out, but something about the relationship feels off.
Butler was much more subdued during Miami’s media day this month compared to in years past. Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes wondered on Thursday whether Butler’s altered demeanor reflects a new mindset and whether Butler is committed to the Heat.
“With the ability to hit free agency via a player option this summer and no contract extension coming from the Heat, Butler could be trying to show potential suitors he's ready to ball out and put the sideshows aside,” Hughes said.
It would be silly to solely rely on a player’s attitude during media day in forming an opinion about that player’s commitment to the team, but there are other practical reasons why Butler would want out.
“Even if we ignore the specifics, zooming out reveals a lot of elements that portend a possible trade request,” Hughes said. “Butler is a 35-year-old star who wants one more long-term contract from his current team and doesn't appear likely to get it. When that happens, players in his position often try to find a team that will pony up.”
There’s also Butler-Pat Riley tension to consider.
“Last spring, Pat Riley publicly chastised Butler for talking a little too much about teams he wasn't on the floor to face in the playoffs and called him out for his consistent lack of availability,” Hughes said.
“That kind of challenge doesn't often sit well with stars, and Butler's prickly reputation stands out even among that class of players.”
Butler has been linked to the Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors, among other teams.
Will a trade happen soon, or is Butler more likely to retire in Miami?
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