Jimmy Butler has been an absolute asset for the Miami Heat. However, with his declining form, the Heat’s front office has started to lose faith in the 35-year-old. Thus, rumors of Butler getting traded during this transfer window are going strong. However, there might be a mismatch in Heat’s and Butler’s thoughts about his future.
According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, Butler will not be eager to leave Miami. In fact, he might as well want to sign an extension with his current team. Appearing on First Take recently, Windhorst reflected on the Jimmy Butler issue. “I think Jimmy Butler’s preference would be to sign an extension in Miami… He hoped to do that last summer, but Pat Riley came out at the end of the last season and said that’s not what the Heat were doing,” said Windhorst.
Jimmy Butler would prefer to sign an extension in Miami, but Pat Riley has not shown interest in making it happen, per @WindhorstESPN
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 12, 2024
(h/t @FirstTake )
pic.twitter.com/anZwviZem4
But he also stated subsequently that if anyone has the possibility to be traded, it would be Butler. Heat is trying to bank on the talents of Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo. Thus, accommodating Butler might be an issue. On the contrary, Butler himself didn’t give a definitive response when asked about the same. As the news went out, fans took their opinions to the comments section quite unexpectedly.
Fans Give A Strong Verdict For Jimmy Butler’s Stay With Miami
As soon as the speculation of Jimmy Butler trying to get an extension with the Heat surfaced, the fans could not stop themselves from commenting. One fan said, “They’re doing him just like how they did Wade.”
They’re doing him just like how they did Wade
— Aidan LaPorta (@AidanLaPorta69) December 12, 2024
Another fan looked unimpressed with Butler. The comment read, “We are 22 games in, and honestly, Jimmy hasn’t shown Pat Riley he is max contract material. He has had solid showings, but they aren’t handcuffing themselves to an aging player when you have a solid core to build around for the coming years. At least not yet.”
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We are 22 games in, and honestly, Jimmy hasn't shown Pat Riley he is max contract material. He has had solid showings, but they aren't handcuffing themselves to an aging player when you have a solid core to build around for the coming years. At least not yet.
— RicanGoat (@RicanGoat30) December 12, 2024
A third fan echoed similar sentiments. “Jimmy hasn’t shown he’s still a max player you not getting legacy contracts unless u an all time great.”
Jimmy hasn’t shown he’s still a max player you not getting legacy contracts unless u an all time great 🤷🏾
— Lucro 💫 (@PlayoffLucro) December 12, 2024
This user seemed confused as the comment read, “What is going on in Pat Riley’s head bro just trade him if you don’t wanna extend him.”
What is going on in Pat Riley's head bro💀 just trade him if you don't wanna extend him
— ChoZen (@Chozenboii) December 12, 2024
A fan requested, “Pat Riley plz don’t sell.”
Pat Riley plz don’t sell
— HeatFly 🔥🦅 (@Heatflyy) December 12, 2024
Another fan looked unimpressed as the comment read, “Aging player with bad knees.”
Aging player with bad knees
— Boston Sports Bros (@BosSportsBros) December 12, 2024
A user noted, “Noooo he should get traded instead.”
Noooo he should get traded instead
— ɪᴍ.ʀɪʟᴇʏ シ ✞ ☘️ (@CookedByRiley0) December 12, 2024
Thus, with things looking tight for Jimmy Butler, it now remains to be seen how he goes about his future from here on.
