The Miami Heat remain one of the most intriguing teams in the NBA with the looming questions about the longevity of the roster. ESPN’s Tim MacMahon highlighted this position by pointing out Jimmy Butler’s situation with the franchise, as he is set to be paid over $48 million this season.
He described his relationship with team president Pat Riley as questionable with no finalized conversations on a contract extension.
Last season, Butler received strong comments from “The Godfather” when the Heat star went viral for his confident takes on changing the team’s playoff results if he was available on the court. The six-time NBA All-Star was sidelined for the postseason due to a sprained MCL.
“Jimmy Butler’s going to be a free agent next summer,” MacMahon said, “he has not been extended, so that’s the question looming over all of it. Coming off the stuff from last year, Pat Riley calling him out, Jimmy has a history of uncomfortable exits, so that whole situation is flammable.”
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However, MacMahon argued that Butler’s position with the team could shift if he comes out with a different kind of edge this season and backs up his case.
“Maybe Jimmy follows through on what he says, you know, contract year, this a ‘prove-it’ type of year for him and he’s all business.”
Butler was originally signed by the Heat in July 2019, as he was envisioned to be the face of the franchise. He is entering his sixth season with the squad with two NBA Finals appearances under his tenure.
Before he becomes an unrestricted free agent next season, he will earn a base salary of $48,798,677, as per Spotrac. He is also set to complete his three-year $146 million extension with the Heat.
6-time NBA All-Star Jimmy Butler addressed his position with Pat Riley and the team
During an interview with the Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson, Jimmy Butler talked about remaining level-headed this upcoming season.
“I just want to play basketball and want to be available, like Pat was talking about,” Butler said. “I plan on being that … and making everybody happy … I’m here. Normal hair. No shenanigans.”
Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler – Source: Imagn
Last season, the Heat forward posted 20.8 points (49.9% shooting, including 41.4% from three-point range), 5.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game. His individual production was down compared to previous seasons with the Heat as he was also hampered by injuries throughout the 82-game stretch.
After only playing 60 games last NBA season and missing the entire first-round matchup against the Celtics, Butler is eyeing a bounce-back year in the upcoming season.
