NBA insider Howard Beck from The Ringer reports that the Miami Heat are expected to trade Jimmy Butler. Butler is eligible for a contract extension this offseason, and according to Anthony Chiang of The Miami Herald, he seeks a two-year extension worth around $113 million. However, it seems the Heat are unwilling to pay Butler this amount.
Beck notes that rival executives have anticipated this move for some time due to several factors. Butler is approaching 35 years old, has a history of injuries, and has one year left on his Heat contract. If the Heat agree to the extension, they would lack the flexibility to acquire another star player, which they desperately need. While Butler has been instrumental in leading Miami to two Finals in five seasons, a team centered around Butler and Bam Adebayo is not enough to compete with top Eastern Conference teams like the Celtics, Bucks, or Sixers. Pat Riley, known for trading high-priced players before their performance declines, might see this as the right time to make a change. Butler’s value might be higher as a second or third option on a contender rather than as Miami’s primary star.
Butler is set to earn $48.8 million next season and has 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. Despite his absence, Butler had a strong season, averaging 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.3 blocks in 60 games, with impressive shooting percentages: 49.9% from the field, 41.4% from beyond the arc, and 85.8% from the free-throw line.
Butler’s career averages stand at 18.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.6 steals, and 0.4 blocks. He has played for the Chicago Bulls, Minnesota Timberwolves, Philadelphia 76ers, and the Heat, earning six All-Star selections, five All-NBA team honors, and five All-Defensive team honors. The 76ers, where Butler played 55 games in the 2018-19 season, are reportedly interested in re-acquiring him and are prepared to offer him a max extension, according to Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer.
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