ESPN’s Alan Hahn believes that Jimmy Butler’s tenure with the Miami Heat will end before the 2024-25 season. Hahn pointed to recent comments by Heat President Pat Riley that seemed to cast doubt on Butler’s future with the team. Additionally, Hahn suggested that Philadelphia 76ers President Daryl Morey might attempt to bring Butler back to Philadelphia, correcting a past mistake when the Sixers let him go.
In May, Riley criticized Butler for mocking the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks during the playoffs, even though Butler did not play in Miami’s first-round series against Boston, which the Heat lost in five games. Despite this, a recent report from Yahoo! Sports’ Jake Fischer indicates that NBA executives believe Butler is likely to stay with the Heat. Butler is eligible for a contract extension with Miami and has one year remaining on his current deal, set to earn nearly $49 million in the 2024-25 season, with a player option for 2025-26.
Butler, who has been with the Heat for five seasons, had a strong 2023-24 regular season, averaging 20.8 points on 49.9 percent shooting, including a career-high 41.4 percent from three-point range. He also contributed 5.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. Statistically, Butler was Miami’s best player during the regular season, leading the team in both points and assists per game.
However, Butler was unable to help the Heat in the playoffs due to a sprained MCL suffered in a loss to the 76ers in April. Without Butler, Miami was overwhelmed by the Celtics in the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs. The Heat managed only one win in the series, with their four losses all being by 14 points or more.
Despite the playoff disappointment, Miami is only a year removed from reaching the NBA Finals. Given Butler’s significant contributions and the team’s recent success, it would be prudent for the Heat to retain him beyond this offseason.
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