After leaving the Chicago Bulls in 2017 and playing for the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Philadelphia 76ers, NBA star forward Jimmy Butler has finally found a home at the Miami Heat. According to his contract with the Heat, the 34-year-old will become an unrestricted free agent in 2026. But can he leave the Vice City before his term ends?
After losing the 2023 NBA Finals against the Denver Nuggets, the Miami Heat entered the last season as championship contenders. However, Butler suffered a medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain in the play-in game against the Philadelphia 76ers and missed the 2024 NBA playoffs.
Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat will aim to bounce back from the 2024 postseason disappointment and secure the championship this time. Ahead of the 2024-25 season, let’s examine the Heat forward’s contract in detail.
Jimmy Butler’s NBA Career And Contracts
The 30th overall pick in the 2011 NBA draft became a regular starter for the Chicago Bulls in his third season. In the 2014-15 season, Butler led the Bulls in scoring and steals and led them to the Conference semi-finals in the playoffs. The 2015 NBA Most Improved Player signed a 5 year, $92 million contract extension with the Bulls on July 9, 2015.
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Short Stints With Minnesota And Philadelphia
In 2017, the Bulls traded the star forward to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Butler helped the Wolves reach the playoffs for the first time since the 2003-04 season. However, he asked for a trade before the 2018 training camp after he argued with his teammate Karl-Anthony Towns during practice.
Jimmy Butler joined forces with Joel Embiid at the Philadelphia 76ers and reached the 2019 Conference semi-finals, where Kawhi Leonard’s game-winning buzzer-beater ended their journey. According to Sportrac, Butler signed a four-year, $140 million contract with the Sixers in 2019.
Miami Heat’s Jimmy Butler
He joined the Miami Heat the next season and made his first NBA Finals appearance in 2020. The Heat lost the finals against LeBron James’ Los Angeles Lakers in six games. In the 2021-22 season, the Miami Heat led the Eastern Conference standings with a 53-29 record.
After losing the Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics, Butler led the Heat to the 2023 NBA Finals. However, the star forward failed again as Nikola Jokic’s Denver Nuggets won the championship in five games.
When Can Jimmy Butler Leave Miami Heat?
Butler joined the Miami Heat in 2019 following a sign-and-trade deal with the Philadelphia 76ers. The 2021 NBA steals leader signed a 3-year, $146 million contract extension with the Heat in 2023 with a $52.4 million player option in 2026. If he doesn’t plan to exercise the player option, the Heat forward will become a free agent next summer.
According to the Athletic, Butler will be entitled to a $243 million, four-year extension with the Heat if he opts out of his contract. On the other hand, if he joins any other team, he will be eligible for a three-year, $171 million deal.
What’s Next For Jimmy Butler And The Miami Heat?
The Miami Heat forward averaged 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5 assists in 60 games last season. In the 2024-25 season with the Heat, Butler will be making $48.8 million. The franchise has no intention of trading their star player, while the 34-year-old forward is committed to ending his championship drought next season.
