Jimmy Butler is entering for what could be his final season with the Miami Heat. Hence, his future with the team has become one of the NBA’s biggest talking points. Currently, Butler is in the last guaranteed year of his three-year, $146.4 million contract.
While Butler does have a player option for the 2025–26 season, there’s a growing sentiment among insiders that he could be on the move. ESPN analyst Tim MacMahon recently identified Butler as a key player to watch in the trade market.
“If you talk to people around the league and say, ‘Who’s the next big-name or star-caliber player who gets traded?’ there are at least some eyes on Jimmy Butler,” MacMahon said on The Hoop Collective podcast.
Butler has been a constant performer for the Heat, leading the team to the NBA Finals in 2020. However, the NBA landscape is always changing. As the Heat look to bolster their roster, they may consider moving Butler if the right opportunity arises.
Brian Windhorst Discusses Jimmy Butler’s Desire To Stay In Miami
Reportedly, Jimmy Butler sought a two-year, $113 million extension from the Heat this offseason. However, the Heat opted not to extend his contract. Heat president Pat Riley explained that the decision not to extend Butler was practical. However, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said on The Hoop Collective podcast that Butler’s desire to continue with the team remains strong despite the lack of an immediate extension.
“A few things on the Heat. One, as far as I know, I think Jimmy Butler wants to be in Miami. His goal is to get another contract from the Heat. He also, I think, has a player option in his contract. Which, I think, his intention is to probably waive and become a free agent. But he still has that out there,” Windhorst said.
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Butler is entering his sixth season with the Heat. Last season, he averaged 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists. Miami will face the Orlando Magic in their 2024-25 season opener on October 23.
Also Read: Jimmy Butler Opens Up On His Future With Miami Heat After Not Getting A Contract Extension This Offseason.
